Email to Cat      

Essentials: Bacon Jam

Source of Recipe

From "Kevin Belton's New Orleans Celebrations" by Kevin Belton


List of Ingredients

â—¦  1 pound thick-cut bacon
â—¦  2 sweet onions, quartered and thickly sliced
â—¦  ½ cup brown sugar
â—¦  â…“ cup strong-brewed coffee
â—¦  ½ cup water
â—¦  1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar


Recipe

Cut the bacon into half-inch slices and add them to a large frying pan. Don't worry if the bacon pieces stick together; they will come apart as they fry. Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the bacon is cooked but still quite chewy. A few crispy bites are okay. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the pan and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Pour out all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings and reserve for another use.

Add the onions to the pan and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to low. Add the brown sugar and stir. Continue to cook until the onions have caramelized, about 20 minutes. Add the coffee, water, and the reserved bacon and increase the heat to medium. Continue to cook, stirring every 5 minutes, until the onions are thick and jam-like, about 30 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in the vinegar. Add salt, if necessary. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to one week. Bring back to room temperature before serving.

Makes 2 cups