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Spicy Jalapeno and Bacon Crackling Bread Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup chopped jalapenos
- 1 cup pork cracklings, crushed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- 9-inch loaf pan
- Basting brush

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix well.

2. Add the warm water, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs to the bowl. Mix on low speed until a dough forms.

3. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Add the cooked bacon, chopped jalapenos, pork cracklings, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Mix on low speed until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

6. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

7. Grease a 9-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

8. Punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared loaf pan. Use a basting brush to brush the top of the dough with melted butter.

9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
1 loaf

Nutritional information:
Calories: 280
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 480mg
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 11g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of all-purpose flour, you can use bread flour or whole wheat flour.
- If you don't have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast.
- You can use any type of milk, such as almond milk or soy milk.
- Instead of vegetable oil, you can use olive oil or melted butter.
- If you don't have pork cracklings, you can use pork rinds.

Variations:
- Add diced onions or garlic to the dough for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella.
- Substitute the bacon with cooked sausage or ham.
- Add a tablespoon of honey to the dough for a touch of sweetness.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the water and milk are warm, but not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a little more water.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place, such as an oven with the light on or a sunny window.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the bread for even slices.

Storage instructions:
- Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the bread, wrap it in foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Slice the bread and serve it on a wooden cutting board.
- Garnish with fresh jalapeno slices and bacon crumbles.
- Serve with a side of spicy honey butter.

Pairings:
- Serve with a cold beer or a spicy Bloody Mary.
- Pair with a side of scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for breakfast.

Suggested side dishes:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Grilled corn on the cob

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread is too dense, it may be because the dough didn't rise enough. Make sure it has doubled in size before baking.
- If the bread is too dry, it may be because it was overbaked. Check it early and cover with foil if it's browning too quickly.
- If the bread is too salty, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.

Food safety advice:
- Wash your hands and all surfaces and utensils before and after handling raw dough.
- Cook the bacon and pork cracklings to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Crackling bread is a traditional Southern dish made with leftover pork cracklings and cornmeal.
- Jalapenos are a staple in Mexican cuisine and add a spicy kick to this bread.

Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, savory, and cheesy with a hint of smokiness from the bacon.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of spicy honey butter on top.

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Taste: Spicy, Savory, Salty, Smoky, Bacon, Bacon-Y