If you’re a true bacon aficionado, get ready to take your love for bacon to a whole new level with the mouthwatering trend that’s capturing taste buds everywhere – bacon jam! This delectable relish, born from the slow-cooked magic of bacon, is becoming an absolute sensation.
A Versatile Delight
Bacon jam is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it an ideal companion for various culinary creations. According to Chris Collins, a food connoisseur, and Amanda Rettke, the talented mind behind Homestead Recipes, this spread isn’t just meant for toast. Think beyond the basics – smear it on crackers, slather it on fresh bread, or even on your burger.
Onions
A make-or-break ingredient for bacon jam is caramelized onions. Achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and tenderness is a key step. Caramelizing the onions is important to sweeten them and turn them soft and sticky. This takes around 20-25 minutes, resulting in onions with a deep golden hue, enhancing the jam’s texture and flavor.
Savor Every Drop
Though freshly made bacon jam is the pinnacle of satisfaction, don’t fret if you can’t devour it all in one go. Collins shares his wisdom for proper storage – cool the jam completely, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. When you’re ready to indulge again, let it regain room temperature and gently heat it on the stovetop with a touch of warm water. This revives its spreading consistency.
Craft Your Culinary Masterpiece
● Begin by crisping the bacon in a saucepan for about 15 minutes. Once cool, break it into 1-inch pieces.
● Retain about 4 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan. Add onions, cooking until they achieve a sticky, browned perfection.
● Stir in garlic, brown sugar, vinegar, maple syrup, chili powder, and – the star of the show – bacon. Simmer until the mixture transforms into the coveted jam-like consistency.
● Serve your creation warm or cold, adapting to the culinary canvas you choose.