Chef Hunter Lee/Contributing Writer
Let’s get Shakin’
This is a treat wasn’t originally a southern dish,
Millionaire’s Bacon is a sweet and spicy caramelized bacon that originated at San Francisco’s Sweet Maple restaurant. BUT like so many great dishes that ended up heading south it has been adapted, adjusted, and repurposed in true southern fashion.
Candied Bacon, as so many in the south refer to it now days is a true delight. You will see it served in high end restaurants with breakfast or brunch, but also upscale bars as it also pairs great with drinks and specialty cocktails as an appetizer.
I often love to stay at The Fredonia Hotel in Nacogdoches, TX. and let me tell you. They have this on the menu as an appetizer in the bar. It’s divine and I never miss ordering it when I go.
But with this recipe, you can do it right at home with little work and a few simple ingredients, it is so good it’s almost addictive.
Southern Candied Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick cut bacon (make sure it’s thick cut)
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place a wire rack on a foil lined baking sheet. Arrange the bacon on the wire rack and sprinkle with the cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper and black pepper. Lightly pat the brown sugar on top of the bacon to create a thin layer.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the brown sugar has melted and the bacon is crisp.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Using tongs, transfer the bacon to a parchment lined baking sheet and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Until next week, stay cool as possible it’s heating up out there like a kitchen with no air conditioning.
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