Christmas Potluck Recipe 3

A little whiskey, a little bacon, who wouldn’t love it!?! Laura made this delicious pot of gold.

This recipe comes together easily, once you have the 8 shallots peeled and chopped and it makes a lot. Plenty to bring to a party and plenty to keep for yourself. The original recipe calls for paprika, but I prefer smoked paprika. Be sure to follow the recipe when it tells you to remove from the heat before adding the whiskey. No one needs a surprise flambe.

Gentleman’s Whiskey Bacon Jam

• 1-1/2 pounds thick-sliced bacon strips, finely chopped
• 8 shallots, peeled and minced
• 1 large sweet onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup whiskey
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• Assorted crackers

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of drippings. Add shallots and onion to the drippings; cook over medium heat until caramelized, stirring occasionally.

Stir in garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Add seasonings. Remove from heat; stir in whiskey and maple syrup. Increase heat to high; bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add vinegar and brown sugar; cook another 3 minutes, continuing to stir constantly.

Crumble bacon; add to skillet. Reduce heat to low and cook for 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Allow the jam to cool slightly. Pulse half the jam in a food processor until smooth; stir puree into the remaining jam. Serve with assorted crackers.

Makes 3 cups

Recipe and photo from Taste of Home.

Little Known Amazing Random Fact: When Harriet Tubman was born, Thomas Jefferson was alive. When Harriet Tubman died, Ronald Regan was alive.