Bourbon Bacon Brittle Recipes

Steps:

• To MAKE THE CANDIED OSCAR MAYER BACON:
• Heat oven to 400ºF. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Set oven-safe cooking rack inside. Arrange bacon in single layer on rack.
• Top bacon with 2 Tbsp. bourbon whiskey, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes per package instructions. (Alternatively, you can bake bacon in a preheated 300°F oven for 50 to 60 minutes.) Cool slightly.
• Once cool enough to handle, roughly chop the candied bacon. Set aside.
• To MAKE THE BRITTLE:
• In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water, butter and corn syrup. Bring to a boil. Continue to cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the caramel is light brown and reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer, about 10 minutes. (Note that around 250°F the mixture will start to thicken.)
• Remove saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the remaining tablespoon of bourbon, plus the vanilla and baking soda. Stir in the nuts, then immediately scrape the brittle onto a lined baking sheet. Spread the brittle into a thin, even layer. Work fast - it will set quickly. Sprinkle with the chopped candied bacon.
• After the brittle cools for at least 30 minutes, you can break it into large chunks. (Note: This is best if eaten the same day it is made.)

Steps:

• Grease or butter a large nonstick baking sheet.
• In a medium heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water over medium heat.
• Stir until the sugar dissolves and the syrup comes to a boil.
• Attach a candy thermometer to the pan, increase the heat to high, and cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 290 degrees.
• Immediately remove from the heat.
• Stir in the butter, vanilla, baking soda, pecans and bacon bits.
• Watch out, as the mixture will foam.
• When the foam subsides, pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet as thinly as possible.
• Do not use a spatula.
• Cool at least 10 minutes before breaking into pieces.
• Store in a covered container.

Steps:

• Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until crisp and browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on paper towels and reserve 1 tablespoon bacon grease. Crumble bacon once drained and slightly cooled.
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine sugar, syrup, and salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat in microwave oven until bubbling, about 4 minutes.
• Stir bacon, pecans, reserved bacon grease, and vanilla extract through the sugar mixture; heat in microwave oven for 3 minutes more. Immediately add baking soda and stir just until foamy.
• Working quickly, spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Let cool until set, about 15 minutes. Break into bite-size pieces.