Yesterday was a beautiful day. For the first time this year I was convinced that winter will end soon. It was also the first time in weeks that I didn’t have a visit scheduled for my condo. I was really looking forward to spending the day in my kitchen, cooking and baking up a storm, but the weather had me conflicted. How could I waste such a beautiful day inside? This internal debate raged for most of the morning. And then a compromise was reached. I would walk to the grocery store to pick up everything I need. The walk would satisfy my need for time outside, and then I would get to create something wonderful in my kitchen.
This really was something wonderful. I had never heard of bacon jam until I started reading this months Food and Wine. As soon as I saw it, I knew something had been missing from my life. I had to have some. They recommend a brand available in the U.S only. In general, I think jam is one of the easiest things to make at home, so I set out trying to find a recipe. I wasn’t going to let where I live keep me from my bacon jam!
I found several recipes, but the one that appealed to me the most was this one from Not Quite Nigella. I liked its simplicity; there are only a few ingredients, but each of them packs a punch. As with most jams, this one is quite easy to make, although a little time consuming (two hours, largely unattended). While you’re making it, your entire home and everything in it will smell like bacon. No need for bacon perfume. For step by step pictures, check out the original post from Not Quite Nigella.
The end result is a sweet yet savory jam, with a hint of smokiness to it. It was definitely worth the time to make it.
Once your bacon jam is done, you’re going to eat some of it with a spoon. That’s ok. Then you’re going to wonder what else to do with it. I suggest putting it in sandwiches or making this Bacon Jam Bruschetta. It’s just cream cheese (or goat cheese), bacon jam, and greens dressed with oil and lemon juice. The tanginess of cheese and the sweet smokiness of the bacon jam compliment each other perfectly.
Bacon Jam
Recipe from Not Quite Nigella
- 500 g bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Tabasco sauce to taste
- In a large, heavy bottomed pan, fry the bacon in batches. Remove the bacon from the pan, and pour off all but 1 tbps of the bacon fat (bacon fat can be reserved for other purposes, like a pie crust)
- Turn the pan heat to medium high. Add the onion to the pan and fry until translucent. Add the minced garlic, frying until fragrant.
- Return the bacon to the pan, along with the rest of the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and add 1/4 cup of water every 25 minutes or so.
- Once cooked down, puree the jam in a food processor until it reaches your desired consistency (more or less chunky).
(Note: the original recipe called for 3 tbsp brown sugar, I forgot to add it and still found the jam delicious)
Bacon Jam Bruschetta
- Bacon Jam
- Baguette, sliced
- Cream cheese or goat cheese
- Salad greens
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Spread the cream cheese on the baguette slices. Top with bacon jam.
- Dress the greens with olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Place a small amount on the bread.
Enjoy!
What She's Having 
Bacon bacon bacon, it’s everywhere and each time I see a new concept with it I keep thinking that’s clever. Same goes with this bacon jam. Great idea, eager to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
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Despite not being much of a meat eater, I completely understand why everyone goes bonkers over bacon. I tried bacon jam myself last Fall and thought it was fantastic!
I think we must’ve been separated at birth! This looks fantastic!
This is one jam I’d love to spread around here!
This is over the top! Bacon has become pretty popular, and it’s for a reason – it’s amazing :-)
Yummy! My friend made bacon jam – but I don’t think her’s had any sweet elements, yours sound amazing!
Oh wow! Really? As bacon wan’t wonderful enough already!! This sounds absolutely divine! When I was in the US the other week, I found bacon salt and bacon flavoured sunflower seeds, of all things!
I saw this in Food & Wine yesterday and I’m still drooling! Looks like you made a delicious batch!!
this is lovely!
Thanks for reminding me that I need to make this stuff! It looks so delicious :) Perfect for appetizers for Easter brunch.
I’ve been afraid to give bacon jam a try.. but I may just have to jump in and give it a go!
I’m so glad that you enjoyed this! Thanks so much for letting me know :D
I have to make this! It looks delicious.
I saw this in F&W too. Looks like a great hors d’oeuvre. It could really kick up a BLT or PB & Bacon sandwich. I’m glad “Not Quite Nigella” and you worked up some recipes. Thanks so much. I need to go directly to the kitchen and start a batch.
wow… I agree with some others – great appetizer!
The first time someone told me about bacon jam, I gave myself a forehead cramp from lifting my eyebrow high enough to express my doubtfulness.
I think the idea is starting to grow on me, though, especially with the bruschetta idea you’ve included… bet it would be pretty darn awesome on a grilled cheese, too!
It would probably be a race between me and my husband to see who could eat the most of that. ;) Unnaturally yummy.
This looks amazing! After I smoke some bacon I will be making this for sure! Great photographs as well. Love it!
Now this bacon jam is very different as far as ingredients than a few others I have tried.
Isn’t bacon jam amazing though, I can’t seem to keep it in the house we are going threw it so much. I think we have a bacon issue :)
Thanks for the post can’t wait to try this recipe.
Umm, yes please. Bacon makes EVERYTHING better… Printing this out right now
this may just be the lunch hour talking, but this is everything i’ve ever wanted in life
i really want this on my first hamburger on the bbq of the season!
Can’t wait to try out this interesting recipe, thanks for sharing!
Love your blog and all your pics are beautiful. Please check out my blog, just opened in Jan, hehe :)
Oops, forgot to include the website, http://www.shanghailumpia.com/.
Bacon jam? I’ve never heard of such a thing! But why not…you make it sound scrumptious. I also like that there ‘s room to take it sweet or savory, depending on the spices. :-)
I just tried bacon jam for the first time recently and it was so delicious – this looks great!
Can you just use water in place of the coffee? My husband can’t stand even a bit of coffee in things — not even the smell when I brew a cup for myself.
You can use just water. I’d suggest adding some spices you enjoy if you do. The jam doesn’t taste like coffee, but I think it adds depth to the flavour.
This looks great! Just found your wonderful blog on foodie blogroll! New follower!
– Jessica @ http://cajunlicious.blogspot.com
Saved, I love your site! :)
Oh my heavens!! I also discovered you through the foodie blogroll, and am so glad I did! :)
do you know how long it lasts in the fridge once it’s made?
It should last about a week in the fridge.
Spending all day in the house on a beautiful day, even if it is cooking, is always hard. Decisions, decisions.
I must say, this bacon jam has me conflicted. It sounds both delicious and odd at the same time. Wish I could give it a try!
Mountain Man is going to go crazy for this! It sounds fantastic.. I can just see it now smathered on a piece of fresh bread with goat cheese!
I love the feeling of spring :) It is so fresh and hopeful! And this jam?!? I’ve never heard of anything like this before, but know of a lot of people (me included!) that would seriously like some :)
Wow never even dreamed bacon being used as a jam but now that I think about it, it sounds delicious!
I want to try this soon!
Yum. I’ve had bacon jam on my list of things to make for a long time now — I think your post really inspired me. I love the addition of coffee in the jam and serving it with goat cheese. Awesome combo. Looks absolutely fantastic.
Oh Lynn you have a new blog layout, it’s so cool! This bacon jam sounds like something Stano (how do you call a man you have a child with but are not married to?:D) would love. I only eat chicken (no red meat) these days but I have to say I almost give in when I think of all those flavours that come together in this jam. bacon, coffee, garlic, maple syrup… sounds incredible!!
Bacon….jam. Yes please, send along with the Babka ;)
Bacon jam sounds so good!
The recipe sound just great….I am just wondering if you can canned it for a long period of time? Thanks