Bacon Jam

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5 from 3 votes

Could there be any other flavors that go together more perfectly?

Prep Time45

Cook Time2

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings (or about 3-4 cups)

Calories: 291kcal

Cost: Varies

Ingredients

1 1/2 pound sliced bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium yellow onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
3/4 cup strong brewed coffee
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar OR balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tbsp molasses
1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste.

Instructions

The first step is to cut the bacon crosswise into one-inch pieces and cook them in a large skillet, stirring occasionally until the fat is rendered and the bacon is lightly browned about 20 minutes.
Carefully transfer bacon to a sieve so the fat can drain off. Reserve one tablespoon of the bacon fat.
Chop two large onions. Add the tablespoon of bacon fat, chopped onions, and garlic to the hot skillet. Allow this to cook until the onions are translucent, about 7 minutes.
Add the strong brewed coffee, balsamic (or apple cider —see note 2) vinegar, brown sugar, sea salt, molasses, and maple syrup and bring to a boil; cook stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the skillet, for about 2 minutes.
Add the cooled bacon, stir to combine, reduce the heat to a bare simmer and cook uncovered, until the liquid is almost completely evaporated and turns syrupy, about 2 hours. OR transfer to slow cooker and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours; Low for 6 to 7 hours.
Once this bacon concoction has cooled slightly, hit it with an immersion blender (transferring to a food processor then pulsing until coarsely chopped works as well) and pulse just to smooth it out a bit—relish consistency.
Spoon into sterilized jars.

Notes

Note 1: I’ve tested substituting bacon crumbles for bacon and wasn’t thrilled with the result. Your results may vary, which means crumbles are certainly an option.

Note 2: May substitute apple cider vinegar for all or part of the balsamic vinegar, which is what I do now after considering my own taste and feedback from my recipients. However, either will give you great results.

Note 3: Tag text for gifting:Put on anything like toast eggs pancakes sandwiches crackers bread potatoes burgers waffles steak meatloaf—anything and everything you can think of or just eat straight out of the jar. Best served warm. Just heat and eat! Keep refrigerated and use within 2 weeks.

Nutrition