Fig Glazed Candied Bacon

Ingredients

• 10 slices bacon (I used thick-cut applewood smoked, aprox. 12-14oz)
• 2 tablespoons fig jam
• 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 4 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• pinch cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. 2

   Line rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.

3. 3

   Spray wire rack with non-stick cooking spray and place on the foil lined baking sheet.

4. 4

   Place bacon strips on the greased wire rack.

5. 5

   Place the fig jam/preserves in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave for 20 seconds to soften.

6. 6

   Brush fig preserves onto one side of each bacon strip.

7. 7

   In small bowl, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, salt and cayenne pepper.

8. 8

   Evenly spread the brown sugar mixture on each piece of bacon, pressing it on the bacon with the back of a teaspoon.

9. 9

   Bake for 30 minutes or until bacon is crisp and browned. Adjust based n your oven. You may need to check it at 20 minutes to prevent from burning or extend baking time.

10. 10

    Remove bacon from the oven and let cool. Carefully lift it off the rack to avoid sticking.

11. 11

    Bacon can be made in advance and stored in a ziplock bag for one day (Warning: you must hide it or chances are it will be gone before you're ready to serve it!).

12. 12

    Serve whole candied bacon strips in a mason jar or large glass. The candied bacon can also be chopped and used as a topping on baked brie and salads.