Bacon Brownies

A Sweet and Savory Surprise: My Bacon Brownies Adventure

As a busy working mom, finding time for elaborate baking projects is a luxury I rarely afford myself. Weekends are usually filled with errands, family time, and the ever-present to-do list. But sometimes, a craving strikes – a powerful, insistent urge for something decadent and utterly satisfying. That's where these bacon brownies come in. They're not just a treat; they're a testament to the fact that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, a little bit of indulgence can be incredibly rewarding.

The idea of bacon in brownies initially felt unconventional, even a bit daring. I’m not a risk-taker by nature. I prefer things neat and organized. My kitchen looks like an operating room after I’ve cleaned up from baking, but once I had actually created the recipe and taken a bite, I felt a sense of accomplishment, and that first taste was undeniably delicious. The salty crunch of the bacon against the rich, fudgy chocolate was a revelation. It's that unexpected combination of sweet and savory that elevates these brownies from a simple dessert to something truly special. It's the kind of surprising flavour that people want to talk about. I brought them to a book club meeting and the conversation turned from the literature to the brownies; I was not unhappy with that trade-off.

The recipe itself is surprisingly straightforward, even for a novice baker like myself. The process is manageable, allowing for a bit of creativity along the way. I’ve experimented with different types of bacon – smoky, maple-flavored – each lending a unique twist to the final product. One time, I even added a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra burst of saltiness. It was well-received by my family and even the neighbours who came over for a casual gathering.

The best part? These brownies are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for a casual afternoon snack, a sophisticated dessert after dinner, or even a delightful addition to a picnic basket. The sweet and savory combination is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. And the best part is that even though these brownies involve bacon, making them is still reasonably quick. So even though I have a busy week-day, I can manage to get everything done and also bake myself a treat.

Beyond the Recipe:

Making these brownies wasn't just about the baking process; it was about finding a small pocket of joy amidst the everyday hustle. It was about creating something delicious and unexpected, a little bit of magic in the kitchen that could brighten my day and hopefully, the days of everyone I share them with. It’s a simple recipe, yes, but it also represents something more: a reminder that even in the busiest of lives, there's always room for a little sweetness, a touch of savory, and a whole lot of love (and maybe some bacon).

So, if you're looking for a dessert that's both unique and satisfying, give these bacon brownies a try. They're easy to make, guaranteed to impress, and a delightful way to add a little unexpected flavor to your day. And hey, who knows, maybe it’ll inspire you to experiment a bit in the kitchen yourself – just remember, even the most unexpected combinations can lead to the most rewarding results. The only limit is your imagination and the ingredients in your pantry!

A Final Note:

This recipe is as much about the experience of creating something delicious as it is about the brownies themselves. So put on some music, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process. Embrace the unexpected, and you might just surprise yourself with what you create. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete novice, these bacon brownies are a recipe for both deliciousness and a bit of self-care. Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Brush both sides of all the bacon with the maple syrup, then place the bacon on the baking sheet.
• Bake until nice and crispy, anywhere between 20 - 25 minutes.
• When the bacon is done cooking, remove excess fat with a paper towel and allow to cool.
• Melt 2 oz of the chocolate in a small microwave safe bowl by placing in the microwave at 50% power for 30 second increments.
• Lightly crumble 3 - 4 pieces of bacon into pieces. They shouldn't be too small, about ½ inch each.
• Coat in chocolate and leave on parchment paper to harden. (I placed mine in the freezer for 2 - 3 minutes to speed up the process).
• Set aside.
• Take the oven temperature down to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 x8 baking pan with parchment paper.
• Mix together the butter, sugar, and 7 oz of the chocolate together in a large saucepan.
• Heat over a double boiler until the butter and chocolate is melted. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and combine everything.
• Set aside to cool for a couple of minutes.
• Once the chocolate and butter mixture is cool enough to touch, add the eggs and vanilla and mix until well combined.
• Add in the cocoa powder and flour and mix until there are no lumps of flour or cocoa powder.
• Fold in the chocolate coated bacon into the brownie batter. The mixture should be very thick.
• Pour the batter into the baking pan. Crumble the remaining bacon and place it, plus the remaining 0.5 oz of chocolate chips on top of the brownie batter and gently press down.
• Bake for 30 - 35 minutes.
• Remove and allow to cool to room temperature before slicing.