I love the smell of bacon cooking in the morning and really love my bacon with pancakes or with waffles that have been soaked in maple syrup.  That extra sweetness really adds to the smoky flavor.  Recently, I was introduced to candy bacon.  Now, for those unaware, candy bacon is bacon that’s been dredged in brown sugar and then is baked on a sheet.  Like the maple syrup soaked bacon, the sweet smoky flavor is something to die for.

Good With Everything

Candy bacon is a wonderful accompaniment to all sorts of recipes.  Of course, it’s great all by itself, but it also enhances vegetables dishes, salads, casseroles, sandwiches and in fact just about any dish you’d normally expect to find bacon.  The next time you make pancakes try adding them into the batter.  Or want a super-deluxe burger?  Garnish it with bacon bits and melted cheese.  The possibilities are endless.

No More Mess

The only problem I had when it came to making candy bacon is the time and mess involved.  I don’t like cooking bacon because of all the grease and I’m often too much in a hurry to take the time required.  Fortunately, my wife came up with an instant solution.

Costco's bacon bits are usually next to their salad dressing.

Always Ready

You see, we often buy Costco’s big bag of bacon bits and will store it in the refrigerator for those times we want to add a touch of bacon to recipes.  This means we have a ready store of previously cooked bacon on hand.  Thus, making candy bacon is now a snap.  Here’s what we do:

Measure out 1 half cup of pre-cooked bacon bits into a microwave safe dish.

Add a teaspoon or so of brown sugar to a half cup of bits.

Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of brown sugar and stir until the brown sugar is equally dispersed.

Place the bowl in the microwave, set on high and cook about 40 seconds to 1 minute (it depends on your microwave).  You should probably check it about 40 seconds in any case in order to avoid scorching.

Microwave about 40 seconds or so and then spread out to cool.

To cool, place a piece of parchment paper on the counter or on a pan and then spread out the hot bacon.  That’s it, you’re done.

Simple Trick

This easy method for making candy bacon is a great kitchen trick, one bound to give some of your recipes that extra kick.

Enjoy!

By Bob Anderson
© 2011 Javabird LLC.  All rights reserved.

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