Spicy Apple Smoked Bacon Jam
Author: 
Recipe type: Appetizer, Main Dish
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 1-2 jars
 
A sweet, spicy and smokey jam perfect on burgers, crackers or just a fork!
Ingredients
  • 1lb smoked bacon (you can use extra smoked or just add liquid smoke for a more smokey flavor)
  • 1 sm Vidalia sweet onion sliced thin
  • 1 sm red/purple onion sliced thin
  • 6 cloves garlic rough chopped
  • 3 T dark brown sugar
  • ½ T crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 T coarse ground rainbow peppercorns
  • Tabasco to taste
  • Liquid Smoke to taste
  • ¼ C apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ C Maple syrup
  • 1 C coffee
  • 1C apple juice
Instructions
  1. Fry bacon until just starting to crisp and turning a pink/brown. I recommend using a heavy cast iron skillet for the best results. If it is not coated or non-stick, you will need to babysit the jam as it reduces to be sure it isn't sticking. You do not want to over-cook the bacon because it will continue to cook for the next couple hours. Remove bacon to a paper towel lined plate. Reserve the renderings for sautéing the onions and garlic. Clip the bacon into ½ inch pieces with kitchen shears.
  2. Saute the onions in the bacon grease until translucent and just browning on the edges. When the onions are nearly translucent, add the chopped garlic. Garlic will become bitter if over-cooked, that's why I add it later in the cooking process. Continue cooking until the garlic is soft and begins to brown.
  3. Add the bacon back into the onion and garlic mixture. Add the remaining ingredients, except for the apple juice...it will be added as the mixture reduces. Simmer over low heat for about two hours, adding ¼ C of apple juice every half hour. Stir occasionally.
  4. Allow the mixture to cool. Pulse in a food processor until it is the desired consistency. I like it a bit “chunky.” Store in a jelly jar in the refrigerator.
Recipe by Changing Seasonings at https://www.changingseasonings.com/2012/03/spicy-apple-smoked-bacon-jam-the-ultimate-condiment/