Treat Yourself To Candied Bacon

By Lisa Ellis


There is nothing wrong with having a special treat, even if there is nothing to celebrate. Snacks of today are not just sweet or savory but sometimes a wonderful combination of many flavors. To some people, candied bacon seems more like a fancy dessert that is a little salty and can be carried anywhere.

The idea of meat being prepared as a candy may seem odd but it is very popular with those who like to pour syrup on their breakfast meat. Only instead of having pancakes or waffles, a person can get all the sticky goodness at any time of day. While maple flavored sausage is popular, it must be cooked first.

Plus, most pork products have a natural sweetness that is enhanced different variations of sugar and spice. Anyone who likes, pork chops and applesauce, honey baked ham, or sweet and sour pork will most likely enjoy this treat. The fun, stick like shape makes this food a little hard to resist.

The average bacon candy recipe calls for thick cuts that have been smoked with applewood. While hickory is good also, mesquite or pepper may be too overpowering. Then comes the glaze, which normally consists of maple flavored syrup, cinnamon or pie spice, with just a sprinkle of salt. For more crunch, light or dark brown sugar may be used instead of the syrup.

Ground cinnamon and coarse sea salt are used sparingly, as too much can overpower the natural smoke flavor. After the ingredients are added, bake time is about twenty minutes using medium heat. After draining excess oil and cooling, the sugars will caramelize and this savory sweet snack is ready to enjoy.

This snack is great for casual work meetings or even a cozy gathering at home. For those who like to cook on the grill, a slice or two can accompany any barbecued meal. These can keep for a few days when stored in a tightly sealed container with cool temperatures.

For those who are health conscious, this treat is full of more protein than most sugary or processed snacks. Lean pork is one of the best things anyone can eat in moderation. A bacon slice without excess fat is also easier to cook, as there is less splatter. This recipe also allows for substitutions.

Some may like to use turkey bacon or those made from plants. While there are many vegetarian options that taste like the real thing, it may be necessary to double up when adding the glaze. To reduce sugar content, honey or agave syrup made be used instead. Hot sauce can be added to the ingredients for those who like their snacks spicy.

Anyone looking for something different to serve at social gatherings may want to experiment with different types of snacks for every type of palette. Hummus and pita chips are good choices for those who like to eat healthy, along with kale chips. Those who like a little indulgence can have a nice balance to choose from.




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