Chocolate Wrapped Bacon

In celebration of the temporary departure of the last of our vegetarian overlords (just kidding Swati) my work team had a potluck with the theme of Meatcrafting. I went with the always easy and awesome crock pot Pulled Pork as my main dish, but I couldn't resist making something I've always wanted to try but never really had a reason to make: Chocolate Bacon

Ingredients

• 1 lb Bacon (I used Maple smoked)
• Chocolate to coat (I used about 2.5 cups of good Dark Chocolate melting wafers, IMO dark works best)
• 2 TBSP Maple Syrup

Garnishes

• Crumbled nuts (cashews pictured)
• Good quality salt
• Chili Powder
• White Chocolate

Method

• Bake your bacon to the desired crispyness level, I did mine at 400F for about 35 minutes

• Just before your bacon is ready, melt your chocolate in a Double Boiler (or improvised double boiler) adding the syrup once it's fairly liquid (I added some brown sugar too)

• Remove bacon and pat dry to remove as much grease as possible.

• Cut each strip in half (or not as you might want)

• Dip in chocolate, then roll in nuts or add other garnish. I really liked the nuts or a light sprinkle of smoked sea salt. I stayed away from the drizzle of white chocolate as contrast, as pretty as it is I felt like the white chocolate would overpower the salty sweet balance.

• Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil or wax paper and once all pieces are dipped, transfer to freezer to set the chocolate.

Serving

• Remove from freezer JUST before serving as they get melty fairly quick.

• Serve on their own or as a garnish to a small scoop of ice cream.