MMMM...BACON! Bacon Jam + Chocolate Bacon Muffins...who knew?!

SO here's something a little different for Mother's Day...make your mom something she can't buy in the store! Everyone should have some bacon jam in their life. You can literally put this stuff on anything: bread, burgers, pizza, steaks, sandwiches, eggs, potatoes, chicken, fish....you name it! We love it on waffles and pancakes. The combination of the bacon, sugar, maple syrup, onions, and coffee makes a smoky, sweet, tangy combination that is really unique and quite delicious. The jam keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks, but with so many uses it will never last that long. It is best served warm. This is what I'm making with our just-delivered bacon!

SLOW-COOKER BACON JAM **************************************************** Ingredients: **************************************************** *1-1/2 pounds sliced bacon, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces *2 medium yellow onions, diced small *3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled *1/2 cup cider vinegar *1/2 cup packed dark-brown sugar *1/4 cup pure maple syrup *3/4 cup brewed coffee Directions: **************************************************** In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until fat is rendered and bacon is lightly browned, about 20 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from skillet (reserve for another use); add onions and garlic and cook until onions are translucent, about 6 minutes. Add vinegar, brown sugar, maple syrup, and coffee and bring to a boil, stirring and scraping up browned bits from skillet with a wooden spoon, about 2 minutes. Add bacon and stir to combine. Transfer mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker and cook on high, uncovered, until liquid is syrupy; 3-1/2 to 4 hours. Transfer to a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped. Let cool, then refrigerate in airtight containers, up to 4 weeks. ************************************************* And here's a link to FABIO from Chow Ciao making BACON CHOCOLATE MUFFINS! YUMMO! Sorry mom, I'm eating them all....>>> http://yhoo.it/chowciao ************************************************ “Porkchops and bacon, my two favorite animals.” ~Homer Simpson ************************************************ Homer: "I’ll have the smiley face breakfast special. Uhh, but could you add a bacon nose? Plus bacon hair, bacon mustache, five o’clock shadow made of bacon bits and a bacon body." Waitress: "How about I just shove a pig down your throat?" (Homer looks excited) Waitress: "I was kidding."