'Tis the Season for Canning - Bacon Jam

Bacon Jam. Do those words even go together? They seem so contrary to the other. However, I know at least one guy (my Chris) who would totally jump at the chance to eat this jam. Martha Stewart makes a recipe for Bacon Jam too so it's gotta be good right? Maybe if you put some lettuce and tomato on the bread too it would be like a crazy BLT sandwich. However, I must admit . . . it sounds good. Bacon. Me love bacon!

Bacon Jam

1 pound smoked bacon (or use regular bacon and liquid smoke)
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 medium brown onion sliced
3 tablespoons brown sugar
Tabasco sauce (to taste)
1 cup coffee
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup maple syrup
Black pepper to taste
Extra water

In a non-stick pan, fry the bacon in batches until lightly browned and beginning to crisp. Using a pair of scissors cut into 1 inch pieces.

Fry the onion and garlic in the rendered bacon fat on medium heat until translucent.

Transfer the bacon, onion and garlic into a heavy based cast iron pot and add the rest of the ingredients except the water. Simmer for 2 hours adding 1/4 of a cup of water every 25-30 minutes or so and stirring.

When ready, cool for about 15-20 minutes and then place in a food processor. Pulse for 2-3 seconds so that you leave some texture in the "jam" or you could keep processing to make a smoother and more paste like jam.

Recipe from www.NotQuiteNigella.com