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Vanilla, Brown Sugar, and Black Pepper Bacon

Source of Recipe


From "Pure Vanilla" by Shauna Sever



List of Ingredients



• ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed
  
• Caviar of 1 vanilla bean
  
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  
• 1 pound thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon
  






Instructions



1. Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 375° F. Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil.
   
   
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, vanilla caviar, vanilla extract, and black pepper. Add bacon and toss to coat well, rubbing sugar mixture onto each slice.
   
   
3. Lay bacon strips on prepared sheets and sprinkle any leftover sugar mixture equally over top. Bake until crisp and deeply caramelized, about 25 minutes, rotating sheets from front to back and top to bottom halfway through baking. Transfer bacon to a cooling rack set over paper towels to drain — the caramelized sugar will firm up a bit, creating a candylike glaze. Serve warm.
   
   Serves 6 to 8
   
   






Final Comments


• This recipe is perfect for showcasing a vanilla bean with a smoky and woodsy aroma. Try heady Mexican or super-bold Tonga beans to experience the spice's savory side.