Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Bacon Jam

While working in the kitchen this morning, I was reminded of a nursery rhyme my mother used to recite to me.

"There was a little girl
Who had a little curl
Right in the middle of her forehead.
When she was good
She was very, very good,
and when she was bad she was horrid."


Well, today I fit into the "bad, bad" category.  We both have been reading more and more about "Bacon Jam."  Reading about it is okay, but this morning I was actually cooking it on the stove.  I found this recipe on the Internet on the blog site of  Not Quite Nigella.  She had 254 comments on it back in 2009 when she posted it.  So I am slow to the gate, but now I am totally involved.



Bacon Jam
adapted from Not Quite Nigella 

1 pound smoked bacon, cut into small pieces
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 medium brown skinned onion, sliced
3 tablespoons brown sugar
Sriracha to taste
1 cup brewed coffee
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup maple syrup
black pepper
Extra water

In a non-stick pan, fry bacon in batches until lightly browned and beginning to crisp.

Fry the onion and garlic in the rendered bacon fat on medium heat until translucent.

Transfer the bacon, onion and garlic into a heavy based cast iron pot and add the rest of the ingredients except for the water.

Simmer for 2 hours, adding 1/4 cup of water every 25-30 minutes or so, and stirring.

When ready, cool for about 15-20 minutes and then place in a food processor.  Pulse for 2 or 3 seconds so that you leave some texture to the jam.

Serve on your favorite burger, grilled cheese, as an appetizer on crusty bread.  The possibilities are endless. 

We are brining some pork chops for this evening and thought this would be a nice addition to the meal.  I have read the every cook who has made this jam has literally eaten it out of the jar with a spoon.  I really, really hope that does not happen in this kitchen. 

15 comments:

  1. Bacon is a real winner no matter how you use this. This sounds fantastic and I had not heard of it either.
    Sam

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have seen this, but I was afraid to make it for fear of eating it right out of the jar. I hope you will post a follow up.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Holy Moly! My crew would love this recipe. I must try it and with kids home maybe they can help.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Everything is better with bacon on it - even cupcakes! I love pancake cupcakes with maple buttercream frosting sprinkled with bacon. YUM.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've never heard that rhyme before. Love it. And bacon jam has been on my cooking bucket list for quite some time. You've inspired me to give it a try.

    ReplyDelete
  6. LOL! Yes, you are being very, very bad; but, I love it! Can't wait to hear if you digressed to eating from the jar. hee hee... I suspect I would. blessings ~ tanna

    ReplyDelete
  7. I bookmarked America's Test Kitchen version (this one is similar). I've been tempted to make it for my husband, who is a bacon lover. It's definitely naughty, but hey...once in a while, it's fun to be wicked. Looks tempting, Susan

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have never heard about Bacon Jam before, Susan - but it sure looks tasty.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This has got to be good, even if it makes you feel bad for making it. Think I will give it a try too. Thanks Susan.

    ReplyDelete
  10. You must confess... have you eaten it right out of the jar? Sounds like I sure would!

    ReplyDelete
  11. It looks great and I know exactly how delicious it is!

    ReplyDelete
  12. As much as we love bacon I've never been tempted to try bacon jam because I thought it might have a greasy mouth feel to it. It does sound delicious on a burger or with something like pork chops. I'm looking forward to your opinion, Susan.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for coming by! I am a big fan of Not Quite Nigella, her life seems so interesting and exciting in comparison to mine....

    If I made this jam I would be VERY Popular around here, so I just might have to give it a whirl!

    ReplyDelete
  14. if we are going to be bad, then we should be really bad. This bacon jam rocks! No doubt this would be awesome.

    Velva

    P.S. Yes, I am relieved that my son arrived safe and sound.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Yum, yum, yum! My dil makes this, it is amazing! I'm ready for a burger now!

    ReplyDelete