Slow-Cooker Bacon Jam

Slow-Cooker Bacon Jam

Imagine my delight, seeing the new issue of Everyday Food had an entire section dedicated to the heavenly bliss of BACON! And not just bacon added to this or that - but a recipe for bacon jam. My heart almost leaped from my chest. I immediately gathered up the ingredients and gave it a go. Since this recipe yields a small batch of only 3 cups (that will be gobbled up as soon as your friends take a whiff) I recommend splurging on some high-quality, thick cut smoked bacon like Hempler's. Also make sure to use REAL maple syrup, not that Mrs. Butter-Worth's crap. And remember, as with most all other slow-cooker recipes, the longer this sits the better it gets! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 lbs sliced bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2 medium yellow onions, diced small
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed & peeled
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup brewed coffee

1. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat, stirring occassionally, until fat is rendered and bacon is lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towel lined plate. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from skillet; add onions and garlic and cook until onions are translucent, about 6 minutes. Add vinegar, brown sugar, maple syrup, and coffee and bring to a boil, stirring and scraping up browned bits from skillet. Add bacon and stir to combine.

2. Transfer mixture to a slow cooker on high, covered, until liquid is syrupy, about 3-1/2 hours. Transfer to a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped. Let cool, then refrigerate in airtight containers, up to 4 weeks.