Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Dip each bacon slice into the sugar mixture, coating both sides evenly. Place the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Let cool for a few minutes.
5. Meanwhile, melt the chopped chocolate in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until smooth.
6. Dip each bacon slice into the melted chocolate, coating both sides evenly. Place the chocolate-covered bacon slices on a clean sheet of parchment paper.
7. Let the chocolate harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
8. Serve the chocolate-covered pig candy as a sweet and salty snack or dessert.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
5. Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
Makes about 12-16 pieces of chocolate-covered pig candy.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Total fat: 16g
Saturated fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total carbohydrate: 24g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 22g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use regular or thick-cut bacon for this recipe.
- If you don't have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave nectar instead.
- You can use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or sprinkles on top of the chocolate before it hardens.
- Use different spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, in the sugar mixture.
- Use different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or peppered bacon.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to coat the bacon slices evenly with the sugar mixture to ensure even caramelization.
- Let the chocolate-covered bacon cool and harden completely before serving.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
You can reheat the chocolate-covered pig candy in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the chocolate-covered pig candy on a platter or in a bowl for a fun and unique dessert or snack.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped nuts or sea salt on top of the chocolate before it hardens.
Pairings:
Serve the chocolate-covered pig candy with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delicious and indulgent treat.
Suggested side dishes:
This recipe is best served as a snack or dessert on its own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bacon is not crispy enough after baking, you can broil it for a few minutes to get it extra crispy.
- If the chocolate is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of coconut oil or vegetable oil to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the bacon thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
Pig candy is a Southern delicacy that combines sweet and salty flavors. It is typically made with bacon and brown sugar, but this recipe adds a chocolate twist.
Flavor profiles:
This recipe has a sweet and salty flavor profile with a hint of smokiness from the paprika.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the chocolate-covered pig candy as a fun and indulgent snack or dessert.
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Taste: Sweet, Salty, Chocolatey, Smoky