Molasses-Cured Pork Shoulder Bacon

My Unexpected Bacon Adventure: From Kitchen Novice to Smoking Pro

Let me tell you, folks, life as a busy working mom is anything but predictable. Between early morning school runs, back-to-back meetings, and the endless cycle of laundry, cooking often gets relegated to the "quick and easy" category. But recently, I decided to break that routine. I’ve always loved bacon – who doesn’t? – but the idea of making it myself? That felt like climbing Mount Everest in my Crocs. However, a quiet weekend and a recipe that promised delicious, homemade bacon finally pushed me to the edge. This wasn't just any bacon; it was molasses-cured pork shoulder bacon. Intrigued? So was I.

The recipe itself wasn't overly complicated, but it required some steps I'd never even considered. There was curing, smoking (yes, smoking!), and the seemingly delicate art of slicing the bacon just right. Honestly, I was terrified of ruining it all. The thought of wasting precious time and ingredients was enough to make my hands tremble. I spent hours reading through the instructions, pausing at each step to make sure I understood before moving on. I watched countless videos online, taking notes on everything from the correct type of salt to use to the ideal temperature for smoking. I turned into a bacon-making research fanatic! But, you know what? The process was strangely therapeutic. There was something deeply satisfying about carefully measuring ingredients, patiently waiting for the pork to cure, and then the thrilling anticipation as the smoky aroma wafted through my kitchen.

Making my own bacon wasn't just about the end result, though the taste was undeniably amazing. It was a journey of discovery, a testament to my newfound courage to step outside my comfort zone. It was a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind of daily life, there's always room for a little adventure – even a smoky, delicious one. The experience completely transformed my view of cooking. I used to think of it as a chore; now I’m starting to see it as something more creative, something that allows me to be fully present, fully engaged in a process that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

And the best part? My family loved it! My kids, usually picky eaters, devoured the bacon, and my husband couldn’t stop praising my culinary skills (even though I did nearly set off the smoke alarm several times in the process). That alone made all the effort – and the initial fear – completely worthwhile. Now, I'm already thinking about my next bacon experiment – perhaps a maple-bourbon variety? The possibilities are endless. Who knew this housewife could become a bacon connoisseur? This is definitely a recipe I'll be keeping for years to come.

Beyond Bacon: A Metaphor for Life

My bacon-making journey, while seemingly small, has given me a deeper appreciation for the things that require patience and careful attention to detail. It taught me that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are the ones that challenge us, push us beyond our perceived limitations. Just like the slow curing process of the bacon, life often requires us to take our time, to allow things to develop naturally, rather than rushing to the finish line. It's about savoring the journey and appreciating the little moments along the way.

The smoky aroma that filled my kitchen during the smoking process reminds me of the rich, complex flavors life has to offer. And just like I carefully monitored the temperature and the smoke, ensuring that everything was done just right, life also requires a certain amount of vigilance. We need to pay attention to our well-being, our relationships, our goals – making sure that everything is in balance and moving in the right direction. Sometimes, like adding more briquettes to the smoker, we might need to take some extra steps to keep things going, but in the end, the payoff will be worth the effort.

So, what’s my takeaway from this whole experience? Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they seem intimidating at first. Embrace the challenges, savor the process, and remember that the most beautiful things in life often take time and effort to create. And if you ever need a recipe for the most amazing, homemade molasses-cured pork shoulder bacon, just ask. I'm now happy to share my expertise!

Step-by-step

• Put pork butt, fat side up, on a work surface, then halve horizontally with a sharp large knife.
• Stir together water, salt, brown sugar, and Instacure in storage tub until solids are dissolved, about 3 minutes, then add molasses and stir until dissolved. Add ice and stir until cure is cold (ice may not be completely melted; keeping liquid cold slows salt absorption).
• Add pork to cure, then weight with a large plate to keep submerged. Chill, tub covered with a lid or plastic wrap, 36 hours.
• Rinse pork and pat dry, then discard brine. Sprinkle pork evenly with pepper (if using).
• Prepare grill and smoke bacon: See preceding recipe.
• Cut bacon crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices with a sharp knife, then fry in a heavy skillet over moderately low heat, turning, until browned. Transfer to paper towels to drain.