Every year I have hosted a Christmas dinner for my friends. This year I introduced Brown Sugar Candied Bacon.

I started after I took a cooking class with Brian. I wanted to try out all the new things I learned. It was way back when I was living with my parents! Over the years it has taken many shapes and themes. But one thing has remained the same. It has become a wonderful tradition with my “framily.” The past two years we have used the “brinner” theme, breakfast for dinner! Now some of my friends have expanded their families and its a great way to involve our littles ones. Although there is a breakfast buffet full of options, I can never make enough candied bacon. Even my most health conscious friend can be caught sneaking a piece. So beware, one package of bacon is NEVER enough!  

Brown Sugar Candied Bacon

I can't make enough of this salty sweet snack for my friends at our Christmas "Brinner"

ingredients

• 12 slices bacon (I use thick cut bacon)

• finely ground black pepper

• 1/2 c brown sugar

instructions

1. Heat your oven to 400 degrees. Lay out the bacon slices and season them the black pepper.

2. Put the brown sugar in a bowl and then dredge each piece of bacon in the sugar.

3. Place a piece of tin foil or parchment paper down over a cookie sheet. Make sure the cookie sheet has sides, because the bacon grease may drip over otherwise.

4. Place each piece of bacon in a single layer ontop of the cookie sheet with the foil. Then sprinkle remaining brown sugar over the bacon. (you may have to repeat this as your cookie sheet may not fit all the bacon)

5. Place the tray in the center of the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. If it is not golden brown and fairly crispy, resist the temptation to turn up the oven temperature, and cook it for 10 to 15 minutes longer. Check it again. The bacon may also crisp up more when you remove it from the oven!