Bacon Jam (wicked good - this one's a big hit at my cafe)
Ingredients
1 lb smoked bacon, sliced into small pieces (butcher made smoked bacon works great)
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 medium brown onion, sliced
1 cup brewed coffee
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup maple syrup
3 tbsp brown sugar
Dash of black pepper
Tabasco sauce (to taste - can be left out)
Extra water
Directions
1. In a non-stick pan, fry the bacon in batches until lightly browned and beginning to crisp.
2. Fry the onion and garlic in the rendered bacon fat on medium heat until translucent.
3. Transfer the bacon, onion and garlic into a heavy pot and add the rest of the ingredients except for the water.
4. Simmer for 2 hours adding 1/4 cup of water every 25 - 30 min. or so and stirring.
5. When ready, cool for about 15 - 20 min. and then place in a food processor. Pulse for 2 - 3 seconds so that you leave some texture to the "jam" or of course you could keep whizzing and make it a smoother and more paste-like.
Tastes great served on burgers, sandwiches or on toasted crustinis in the style of a bruschetta.
