Ah, the allure of apple whiskey bacon jam—it’s like capturing autumn in a jar, yet it’s not just for fall. Imagine the sweet tang of apples mingling with the smoky allure of bacon, all while a whisper of whiskey dances on your taste buds. I first stumbled upon this culinary wonder during a chilly evening at a friend’s backyard gathering, where its intoxicating aroma filled the air and had everyone gravitating towards it, forks poised, ready to savor the unexpected symphony of flavors.
Steps
- Cook the diced bacon in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it turns crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel and set aside.
- Retain about 4 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan, discarding the rest. Add the finely diced onion to the pan, reducing the heat to medium-low, and cook until the onions become translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the diced Fuji apples and continue cooking until the apples soften and the onions caramelize, which should take an additional 4-5 minutes. Ensure to stir the mixture frequently.
- Mix in the minced garlic, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and the previously cooked bacon. Remove the pan from the heat before adding the whiskey and stirring thoroughly.
- Return the pan to the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing it to thicken to a jam-like consistency. Serve the jam either warm or cold, warming it slightly if refrigerated.
Ingredients
- 1 pound diced thick-cut bacon
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 2 small Fuji apples, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (79 g) maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3 tablespoons whiskey
FAQ
- Can I make the Apple Whiskey Bacon Jam without whiskey?
- Yes, you can prepare the jam without whiskey. Simply omit the whiskey and increase the apple cider vinegar to 1/3 cup for a delightful apple bacon jam variant.
- How should I store Apple Whiskey Bacon Jam?
- Allow the jam to cool completely, then store it in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for 1-2 weeks. For extended storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Can this jam be safely canned?
- Unfortunately, Apple Whiskey Bacon Jam cannot be safely canned. The National Center for Home Food Preservation advises against canning cured meats due to their density, which can affect the canning process.
- What are some creative ways to use Apple Whiskey Bacon Jam?
- This jam is versatile! Spread it on toast, add it to sandwiches, use it as a glaze for meats, mix it into barbecue sauce, or serve it with cheese boards.
- What are some possible ingredient substitutions?
- If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar, though it might alter the flavor slightly. For maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup can be alternatives, each adding a unique taste.
Tips
- Experiment with Apple Varieties: While Fuji apples provide a nice sweetness and slight crunch, feel free to try other types like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a different flavor profile and texture.
- Mind the Whiskey Addition: When adding whiskey to the jam, ensure the pan is off the heat to avoid any potential flare-ups. After mixing in the whiskey, return the pan to the heat to continue cooking.
- Customize the Sweetness and Heat: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and chili powder to suit your taste preferences. Less sugar can make the jam less sweet, and omitting the chili powder will reduce the heat.
- Storage Suggestions: Store the cooled jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer preservation, consider freezing it for up to three months.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Airtight container or jar for storage
