Bacon Jam
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbsliced bacon
cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cfinely chopped shallots
from 3 large or 8 small shallots
- 4 smallcloves garlic
chopped, about 1 tablespoon
- 1 tspchili powder
- ½ tspground ginger
- ½ tspground mustard
- ½ cbourbon
- ¼ cmaple syrup
- ⅓ csherry vinegar
- ⅓ cpacked light-brown sugar
Directions
- 1
Spread half of bacon in a single layer in a large skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until browned, 20 to 23 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Remove fat; clean pan. Repeat with remaining bacon, reserving browned bits and 1 tablespoon fat in pan.
- 2
Add shallots and garlic to pan and cook over medium heat, stirring, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add chili powder, ginger, and mustard and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Increase heat to high; add bourbon and maple syrup. Bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits. Add vinegar and brown sugar and return to a boil. Add reserved bacon; reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid reduces to a thick glaze, about 10 minutes.
- 3
Transfer mixture to a food processor and pulse until it has the consistency of a chunky jam. Refrigerate in an airtight container at least 1 hour and up to 4 weeks.
Bacon Jam
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About this Recipe
Elevate your appetizer game or breakfast spread with this incredibly flavorful Bacon Jam. This savory, chunky jam transforms simple bacon into a gourmet condiment, perfect for spreading on a crusty baguette or topping your favorite dishes.
This recipe works by masterfully balancing rich, smoky bacon with sweet, tangy, and aromatic ingredients. The combination of sweet maple syrup and brown sugar, bright sherry vinegar, aromatic shallots and garlic, and a hint of warming bourbon creates a complex, irresistible flavor profile that’s far more than the sum of its parts. It's a truly special spread that adds depth and excitement to any meal.
Prepare for a truly decadent experience. Each spoonful delivers a rich, savory punch from the bacon, beautifully complemented by the subtle sweetness of maple syrup and brown sugar, and a tangy counterpoint from the sherry vinegar. You'll notice the warmth of chili powder and ginger, all deepened by the bourbon. The texture is wonderfully chunky, making it incredibly satisfying to spread. This jam is designed to be a standout, offering a sophisticated yet comforting taste that’s equally at home on a holiday table or a cozy Sunday morning.
While this recipe shines with its specified ingredients, you can easily tailor it to your preferences. For a bolder flavor, consider increasing the chili powder or ground ginger. If you prefer a less boozy profile, you could slightly reduce the bourbon, though it contributes significantly to the overall depth. Adjust the balance of brown sugar and maple syrup to achieve your desired level of sweetness. It’s a versatile base that welcomes minor tweaks to suit your palate.
Serve this delightful Bacon Jam as a show-stopping appetizer, spread generously on toasted baguette slices. It’s also fantastic alongside breakfast dishes, as a unique topping for burgers, or as part of a festive spread for Christmas or other religious celebrations during the winter months.