1. Cook the Bacon
- Heat a Large Skillet: Place a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
- Cook Bacon: Add the bacon pieces and cook until they are crispy and browned, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Drain Excess Fat: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet and discard the rest.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium heat until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Combine and Simmer
- Add Liquids and Sugar: Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and brewed coffee to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Return Bacon to Skillet: Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet, stirring to incorporate.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency. This should take about 30-40 minutes.
4. Blend (Optional)
- Optional Blending: For a smoother texture, you can blend the bacon jam. Allow it to cool slightly, then transfer to a food processor and pulse a few times until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Cool and Store
- Cool: Allow the bacon jam to cool completely.
- Store: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for Success
- Low and Slow: Simmer the jam on low heat to develop deep flavors and avoid burning.
- Adjust Spice: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- Use Good Bacon: High-quality bacon will significantly enhance the flavor of your jam.
Variations
Customize your Sweet & Spicy Bacon Jam with these variations:
- Bourbon Bacon Jam: Add a splash of bourbon for a rich, smoky flavor.
- Fruit-Infused: Stir in a handful of chopped dried figs or dates for extra sweetness and texture.
- Herbed Bacon Jam: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Burgers: Top your burgers with a generous spoonful of bacon jam for a gourmet touch.
- Cheese Boards: Serve bacon jam alongside your favorite cheeses and crackers.
- Breakfast: Spread it on toast or bagels, or mix into scrambled eggs.
- Sandwiches: Add it to grilled cheese, BLTs, or any sandwich for an extra flavor boost.
Conclusion
You’ve just crafted a jar of Sweet & Spicy Bacon Jam that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its perfect balance of flavors will enhance a variety of dishes, making it a must-have condiment. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delicious versatility of this bacon jam. Bon appétit!