Pig Candy

This recipe is unbelievably good. When you see the first two ingredients, brown sugar and pecans, you know it’s going to be something special. But then you spread it on bacon and bake it in the oven you can see it’s seriously a decadent treat. Serve it for breakfast, brunch, tailgating, or as a nibble with cocktails. Whenever and however you serve this, you simply can’t’ go wrong.

• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup pecans, chopped finely
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ½ pound thick sliced smoked bacon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil and piece a wire baking rack on top. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine the brown sugar, pecans, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup in a food processor and process until the pecans are finely ground.

Cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise. Line up bacon pieces on the baking rack. With a spoon, spread the brown sugar mixture on top of the bacon pieces.

Bake 25-30 minutes until the topping browned, being careful not to burn. Note bacon will not crisp as it cools if under baked.

Remove bacon from the oven and allow to cool on the racks. As the bacon cools move gently with a spatula to prevent sticking.

Serve warm or at room temperature. Can be made ahead. Makes 20-25 pieces.