Bacon Jam - Your New Addiction

After a long work day and no desire to make a five course meal,  a grilled cheese is easy.  But how about adding a leftover fried chicken thigh and homemade bacon jam made with your favorite hot sauce?

1 lb smoked bacon, sliced into small pieces (or use regular bacon and liquid smoke)
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 medium brown onion, sliced
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce - I used my favorite from

• Scoville Brothers

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (I use Braggs)

1/4 cup pure maple syrup (not the additive laden cheap grocery store"maple like" syrup)

cracked black pepper (to taste)

Extra water (see directions)

Directions.

In a non stick pan, fry the bacon in batches until lightly browned and beginning to crisp. Fry the onion and garlic in the rendered bacon fat on medium heat until translucent. Transfer the bacon, onion and garlic into a heavy based cast iron pot and add the rest of the ingredients except for the water. Simmer for 2 hours adding 1/4 of a cup of water every 25-30 minutes or so and stirring. When ready, cool for about 15-20 minutes and then place in a food processor. Pulse for 2-3 seconds so that you leave some texture to the “jam”,