January 2022 Newsletter—Bacon Brittle Recipe
Bacon Brittle
Total: 45 min Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min
Yield: 1 1/2 pounds
Ingredients:
- 1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for the baking sheet
- 16 slices bacon
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cups mixed cocktail nuts
- Kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
Directions:
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and generously butter it. Working in batches, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp, 9 to 11 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then break each slice in half.
Combine the sugar, corn syrup and 1/2 cup water in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, over medium-high heat until a candy thermometer registers 260 degrees F, 10 to 12 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the butter, nuts and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir once, then continue cooking over medium-high heat, undisturbed, until the syrup turns golden and the candy thermometer registers 285 degrees F, 5 to 10 more minutes. Carefully stir in the prepared bacon, the vanilla and baking soda. (The mixture will foam a bit.) Cook, stirring several times, until the foam subsides and the mixture darkens slightly, 1 to 2 more minutes.
Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, then carefully tilt to spread it into a thin layer. Use tongs to redistribute the bacon pieces if necessary. Let cool completely, then break into pieces.
