Bacon Toffee

FOR GRILLED DISHES

You will need a candy thermometer for this heavenly candy crunch. While you rummage around looking for it, find a heatproof rubber spatula and some parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet pan liner. Don’t eat all the toffee before you grill the fruit that it will adorn—perhaps apple slices or pear wedges.

Bacon toffee is a tantalizing treat that harmoniously combines the rich and savory notes of crispy bacon with the sweet allure of toffee. This unconventional confection takes the traditional toffee recipe to a whole new level by infusing it with the irresistible smokiness of fried bacon. The result is a delectable fusion of flavors that dances on the palate, offering a delightful contrast between the salty, meaty goodness of bacon and the buttery caramelized sweetness of toffee.

The process of making bacon toffee involves a careful balance of ingredients and precise temperature control. Chopped bacon is crisped to perfection and then combined with butter, sugar, and water to create the toffee base. This mixture is brought to a boil and cooked until it reaches a specific temperature range, ensuring the right consistency and texture. Once the toffee is ready, the bacon bits are reintroduced, infusing every bite with a burst of savory delight.

Bacon toffee can be broken into irregular pieces, perfect for sprinkling over grilled fruit or adding a whimsical touch to various desserts. Its unique blend of flavors adds complexity and intrigue to both sweet and savory dishes. Whether enjoyed on its own or used as a topping, bacon toffee offers a memorable culinary experience that lingers on the taste buds.

This creative confection showcases the magic that can happen when unexpected ingredients come together. The contrast between the salty, umami-rich bacon and the sweet, caramelized toffee creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that’s sure to surprise and delight anyone fortunate enough to savor it.

MAKES: SEVERAL CUPS OF LIGHTLY PACKED TOFFEE “SHARDS”

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 bacon slices, finely chopped
• 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a heavy skillet, fry the chopped bacon until it’s brown and crisp, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon bits from the skillet and let them drain on a paper towel.
3. Measure out 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings and transfer them to a heavy saucepan (save the remaining drippings for another use). Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan. Add the butter, granulated sugar, and water to the saucepan. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Allow the mixture to boil and turn golden until it reaches a temperature between 295°F to 298°F.
4. Immediately stir in the cooked bacon bits and remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the toffee mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Work quickly to spread the toffee to about a ¼-inch thickness or until it becomes too thick to spread further. Allow the toffee to cool and set up, which usually takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour.
5. Once the toffee is completely cooled and hardened, break it into irregular pieces. These pieces should be bite-size, suitable for sprinkling over grilled fruit or other desserts.