Candied Bacon

Ingredients:

½ cup brown sugar
½ cup chopped nuts
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons maple syrup
½ pound very thick-sliced Applewood-smoked bacon

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place a wire backing rack on top of a pan lined in foil. Combine the brown sugar and nuts in a food processor and process until the nuts are finely ground.
Add dry ingredients, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper and pulse to combine.
Slowly add maple syrup to combine.
Cut each bacon slice in thirds.
Spread the mixture on top of each piece of bacon.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Bacon should be “browned.”
Cool on paper towels.

This is a great appetizer that can be prepared in advance and served at room temperature. It’s pretty, satisfying, but not too filling.