Spit in any direction and you are sure to find someone singing the praises of candied bacon.  Heck, even a fast food joint best known for its roast beef was offering up its version of this salty sweet treat earlier this summer.

So why mess with something that already works so well?  Because we can make it even better by adding some toasted pecans and a healthy drizzle of smoked chocolate.

SMOKED CHOCOLATE CANDIED BACON

Ingredients

1/2 lb. thick cut bacon (approximately 8 slices)

2 tbsp. maple syrup

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup smoked chocolate chips (see how to smoke them here)

1/4 cup pecan pieces

Instructions

Prepare grill for medium-high heat cooking (approximately 400 degrees).  Place small skillet on the grill and allow it to heat for 2-3 minutes.  Add pecan pieces and allow them to toast for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly browned and fragrant.  Remove and set aside.  

Lay bacon slices on a baking rack and place the rack on an aluminum foil covered sheet pan. Brush slices with maple syrup then coat with a layer of brown sugar.  Set the sheet pan on the grill, cover the grill and allow the bacon to cook for approximately 15 minutes until the bacon is nicely browned and crisp.  Remove the bacon from the grill and allow it to cool before gently removing from the wire rack and laying out on a sheet of parchment paper.

Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water and set on the grill.  Once the water is fully heated, set a mixing on top of the saucepan, making sure the bowl is larger than the circumference of the saucepan so it rests on top without touching the water.  Place smoked chocolate chips in the bowl and stir until completely melted. 

Use a small kitchen spoon to drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bacon.  Sprinkle toasted pecans over the top of the chocolate candied bacon then allow to cool completely until the chocolate has hardened.  Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

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