Bacon.
I mean honest to Pete, if you’re like most people, the mere mention of the word fires up your salivary glands. I’m no exception. When I’m at a loss for what to make for dinner, I fire up a pound of bacon and let the aroma waft around me and inspire me. But let’s be REALLY honest here. Not all bacon is created equal. Truth: mediocre bacon is still better than no bacon at all, but the best bacon is transcendent. It is a meatier, more subtle, more umami packed experience.
For YEARS, I’ve wanted to make my own bacon. It’s been on my Bucket List, so to speak, along with making my own perfect cured ham, perfecting ribs, making traditional kielbasa, and surprising my kids and husband with a crown roast of pork. So it will come as no surprise, then, that when the National Pork Board asked me to think about my #PorkBucketList, bacon was the first thing on my mind, along with making my own perfect cured ham, perfecting ribs, making traditional kielbasa, and surprising my kids and husband with a crown roast of pork.
What’s a #PorkBucketList, you ask? You might call it ‘That amazing recipe I’ve been meaning to make’ or ‘Trying a pork chop on a stick for the first time’ – your #PorkBucketList is full of the things you’ve had a hankering to try with pork – and with all the amazing ways to prepare pork, and all the flavors that pair with it from all over the world, why not? What can I say? When God made pork, he made his best.
In the pursuit of perfect bacon, I ordered a Masterbuilt electric smoker. I chose this particular model because it allows the use of any-old-woodchips vs. other models that require proprietary wood chip biscuits or brisquettes or whatever they call those expensive things that are hard to find. As I have an enormous pile of apple wood at the back of my property, I just couldn’t justify the added expense and auto-feed convenience of the proprietary pellet feeder models.
The pork belly proved just a little trickier to locate on short notice. Most of the local grocers around me were willing to order it but it would’ve taken a couple of weeks to get in and I was on a schedule. If you live near an Asian foods grocery, it should be easier to get any time you want as pork belly is widely used in Asian cuisines. Once the pork belly was home, it was all smooth sailing. I popped it into the maple bourbon and jalapeno brine where it sat in the refrigerator for a couple of days, smoked for a couple of hours, rested overnight, and then, people, it was bacon. No. I lie. It was MAGIC.
Oh my word, it was unbelievable and worth Every. Single. Minute I committed to it.
Cook’s Notes
- I opted for wet-brining my bacon for a more even flavor penetration.
- I decided NOT to add pink salt both because I planned on consuming it in a matter of days (don’t look at me like that. There are 7 of us in our family.) and because I hot smoked it instead of cold smoking it which meant there was less likelihood of bacterial growth. If you choose to you pink salt, refer to the book ‘Charcuterie’ by Michael Ruhlman for instructions on how to do so safely and properly.
- On that note, I feel obliged to tell you that if you omit pink salt, you will not have pretty, pink bacon, but it will be a natural shade of brown. It will crisp up and brown like you’re accustomed to bacon doing, but it will start out looking brown. If you find that unpalatable, you may want to use the pink salt.
- Choose your wood chips wisely. Mesquite and hickory will impart a very strong smoke flavor. Apple wood will be a much milder presence. Whichever one you decide to use, you need to soak them first. This keeps the wood smouldering instead of smoke bombing the food.
- When your bacon has reached 150°F, transfer it to a rimmed pan, tent with foil, and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours before slicing.
- I’m telling you this, bake this bacon. Pan frying it requires a lot more attention and fussing and you’re far likelier to burn the outside before the inside cooks through. If you lay it on a foil lined, rimmed cookie sheet and put it in a cold oven, then set the oven to 325°F, then stay patient as your home is filled with the mouth-watering scent of tempting bacon, you will be rewarded with the best bacon you’ve ever tasted in your entire life.
Homemade Maple Bourbon Jalapeno Bacon
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 pounds of pork belly
- 1 cup dark maple syrup Grade B
- 1/2 cup dark or light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup bourbon
- 1 gallon of water
- 1 pound kosher salt do not use iodized salt
- 8 fresh jalapeno peppers stems removed, sliced 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick
Instructions
To Cure the Bacon:
- Stir together the maple syrup, brown sugar, bourbon, water, and salt until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Cut the pork belly into 4 equal pieces. Put each piece of pork belly into a heavy-duty, zipper-style freezer bag. Add 1/4 of the sliced jalapenos to each bag. Pour 1/4 of the brine into each bag, squeeze as much air out as possible, seal the bag, then aggressively massage the pork belly so that it is fully exposed to the brine. Place them in a rimmed roasting pan and refrigerate for 3 days, massaging the pork belly in the brine twice a day.
To Smoke the Bacon:
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F for 30 minutes with smoke, making sure your water tray is full to capacity. Place the pork belly pieces on the smoker trays, leaving a few inches of space between them so that smoke can circulate around the meat. When the internal temperature reaches 150°F, transfer the bacon to a rimmed cookie sheet, cover with foil, and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours before slicing. Use within 4 days, or wrap tightly with a double layer of plastic wrap and then foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Cook the Bacon:
- Slice about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick, place on a foil lined, rimmed cookie sheet, and place in a cold oven. Set the temperature to 325°F and bake ‘til done. There is no need to flip the bacon as it will cook evenly. You may wish to rotate the pans once or twice, though. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until your desired level of crispiness.
The Giveaway
It’s a big one! My friends at the National Pork Board have offered to give a $500 gift card to one lucky Foodie with Family reader to help check an item off of their #PorkBucketList. One winner will be chosen on September 30, 2014. The winner will have 48 hours to respond before an alternate winner is chosen!
How do you enter?
- It’s easy as can be! Just answer one question for me: What’s on YOUR #PorkBucketList?
- For a second entry, tweet or pin about this post or an item on your bucket list and be sure to include #PorkBucketList in your tweet or pin!
The smoker I use and recommend is this model:
Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link and is sponsored by the National Pork Board who is also providing one $500 gift card to one giveaway winner. All opinions and narrative remain my own.
Karen D. says
OMG! That pile of homemade bacon is making my mouth water. What is on my Pork Bucket List – I really want a smoker to make smoke a pork shoulder. I love pulled pork. I would probably try the bacon too.
Jennifer says
It’s not the same as actually making my own bacon, but I have always wanted to buy it as a full pork belly to cut myself. That being said, with the funds from winning I could definitely justify owning a smoker. My family considers pork shoulder a food group. 🙂
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
I’ve never cooked a pork belly but would love to try this! Great giveaway!
Jennifer Farley says
I am so excited to try this, what a flavor combo! I would love to try making bacon, that’s definitely on my Pork Bucket List.
Sarah G says
My #PorkBucketList includes candied bacon. Very simple, I know, but I have yet to try it.
tammy shelton says
For my fun #PorkBucketList, I would take my Grands to visit a farm and help “slop the pigs”… just like I did as a little girl on my Grandparents Texas farm.
tammy shelton says
I pinned: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/95208979597546670/
Jana says
I never had a pork bucket list! I would like to make my own sausage. This bacon does look amazing, I’m sure we could eat it all in a few days also. It’s Bacon!
Jana says
https://twitter.com/janapritchett1/status/505333345895874560
shandra says
Smoked Pork Loin is one of my favorites, but I don’t know how to make it so it’s number one on my #porkbucketlist
Laurie Sagerman says
We Love Pork~~in any shape or form. A few years back I replaced Ground Pork for all the Recipes I used Ground Beef in. Spaghetti Sauce, Chile, Meatballs, Goulash, Tacos~~~Etc Etc. I’ve also managed to convert a few people to also try it, and they Love the change….and the better price~!! My”Pork Bucket List” would be a high quality Grinder (to grind the Loins) or the masterbuilt Smoker~! Pork is almost the only meat my Family eats, and we Love it~!!
Daina says
I have ALWAYS wanted to make my own bacon!!
Amy Livers says
Well, now I want to make my own bacon!
LeslieBee says
I never even thought about having a pork bucket list, but I have to say that there ARE things I havent made but want to. Porchetta is on the top of my list, but your bacon sounds so delish that I am thinking of a similar brine for a pork loin SOON.
Raquel says
Oh Baby!! I love Bacon anything!! I have always wanted to smoke my own ham.
Bernie says
I’ve always wanted to grind and make my own pork sausage! I have to admit that bacon looks incredible though…I would so love to win!
Maggie Wallace says
Ah looks so delicious! My #PorkBucketList has to include candied bacon!
Carolyn says
Hey, I have the same smoker! Tim bought it for me for Christmas and bacon is definitely on my #porkbucketlist I haven’t gotten to it yet. I did conquer homemade chicharrones, though, so I am on my way. 🙂
Carolyn says
Tweeted!
Brittany B says
THIS bacon is on my pork bucket list!
Cookin Canuck says
This looks absolutely amazing! I’ve always wanted to buy a smoker so that I can smoked my own bacon and pork loin. Definitely bucket list material!
Karen says
If I made my own bacon my boys would never grow up and go to college!
On my pork bucket list is to have my family experience a NC pig pickin.
The Food Hunter says
WOW! sounds delicious
cindyzs says
really want a smoker and start smoking/curing my own meats!! thanks for the chance 🙂
Angie | Big Bears Wife says
This BACON! This bacon is on my #PorkBucketList now! Oh and I LOVE that smoker!
Cassie says
Maple + Bacon always wins my heart. Love this!
Bren says
Bacon! I just bought a smoker, so I am halfway there.
Deborah says
I am seriously going gaga over this!!
Angie says
I don’t care for the Masterbiult model I tried. I think it was defective 🙁 But that bacon, girl, it looks amazing!!!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Homemade bacon has been on our #PorkBucketList for way too long! Absolutely love this maple bourbon jalapeno version! Pinned!
Andi says
This is just too much, I seriously want to run home and make it this weekend, what a combination, salty, spicy, sweet! Wondering if you couldn’t make this and then dehydrate it into a delicious jerky? My pork bucket list is bacon waffles, I grew up with my mom placing strips of bacon in the waffle batter as she made them, amazing, I would love to figure out a grown up version of this!
alyssa Campbell says
Obviously, this bacon is an entire Pork Bucket List in itself. I would also love to tackle pulled pork.
kate C. says
I love pork in any and all forms. I haven’t actually made ribs before, and I’d like to do that sometime, but I’m always completely intimidated by the price.
TONYK says
I JUST READ YOUR BLOG AND THE BACON LOOKS TOP NOTCH AND I WILL MAKE IT SOON — DID YOU MEAN TO SOAK THE CHIPS AND NOT SMOKE THEM —
TONYK
Rebecca says
Yes, I did mean that. Thanks for the heads up. I’ve corrected it.
Susan says
I love using a pork shoulder/or butt as a pot roast…braised with gravy and mashed potatoes. Not much is better, but I saw a recipe yesterday for a braised pork shank and I don’t believe I’ve see a pork shank at my stores, but I can imagine it would be killer good. I don’t think there is a cut of pork that I don’t just love! (I do, however, miss the way it used to taste.)
Matt Robinson says
This sounds so good, love the flavors!!
Barry K. says
I’ve made hot smoked capicolla twice. Using your cure and smoking it sounds fabulous.
Kelsey Heathers says
I would LOVE to try cooking some smoked bacon. My boyfriend and I are Bacon fiends and I would love to experiment with all sorts of smoked bacon flavored combos!
Margaret says
What’s on YOUR #PorkBucketList, you ask?
Homemade bacon, with a hint of chipotle and lime…and if there is enough left, I would turn it into bacon jam!!! How much do those smokers cost? I want one!!! Thanks for all of your fantastic recipes!
Margaret says
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/171629435774957162/
I pinned it!!!!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
This is going to sound silly but I’ve never made smoked ribs at home so that is definitely on my #PorkBucketList!! PS: I’ll take 100 of these!
Denise says
I would love to do a Cuban smoked roast.
Rebecca C says
#porkbucketlist – “what is not on my pork bucket list?”
Smoked Bacon sounds heavenly but I also love pulled pork and ribs and chops lol
[email protected] says
Making homemade bacon is on my list, and this looks so good! Pork is seriously the best!
Paula - bell'alimento says
Um this is on my pork bucket list. I am swooning!
Sharla says
I would love to buy a smoker for all kinds of pork, ribs, sausages, pork shoulders, bacon.
Carla says
As much as I love bacon, I have never made it homemade before. And maple bourbon jalapeno?! Sounds like heaven!
Rita T says
I grew up on a farm where my mother brined and smoked our own bacons and hams from our own hogs. The smokehouse still stands and smells divine from decades of applewood and maplewood smoke and meats. My daughter opens it up and goes inside just to inhale the aroma. My bucket list includes making my own bacon and hams some day when I have more time and space to work at it.
Jill says
I’m going to break with the trend and say that on my pork bucket list is buying a 4H pig some summer at the county fair. For years I’ve wanted to do that, but haven’t done it yet!
marina says
I would love to make a perfect crown roast of pork, stuffed with something amazing & aromatic and glazed with something savory/herby. I’d also like to make a perfect pork loin schnitzel. I’m somewhat intrigued by the thought of spicy/sticky asian-inspired pork ribs on the grill. I lean more toward meat-free meals as a general rule, but I really appreciate a good cut of meat masterfully prepared. Maybe one day I’ll be the masterful preparer!
heather says
I love bacon so much. Let’s see one thing that is on my pork bucket list is I really want to try that chocolate covered bacon.
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
This bacon is incredible! Totally on my #PorkBucketList !
Kim Beaulieu says
Oh em gee, I’m all over this one. It’s fabulous.
My #PorkBucketList is cooking a whole pig Hawaiian style. Not sure what my neighbours would think if I dig a pit in my back yard.
christine says
I can’t believe how easy this sounds. And it looks Amazing. Let’s see, one thing on my “porkbucketlist” would have to be pork belly. I’ve actually never tried it and I always see them using it on tv. I would like to try cooking with that.
[email protected] says
Making my own bacon has been on my #porkbucketlist for years! I have access to good pork belly through a local market – just need a smoker!
Patrick Barringer says
I think prosciutto is the first thing on my #PorkBucketList.
Rie says
#porkbucketlist would be bacon. I already have the smoker. Just need the pork belly and the time!
Anita says
I’ve never thought of making my own bacon, but your post has convinced me – it’s on my #porkbucketlist!
Sarah VM says
We have a smoker and my husband has been making pork spare ribs. I think the pork belly would have to be #1 on my #porkbucketlist.
meredith says
I would love to make my own bacon!!! Thats def on my #PorkBucketList
meredith says
pinned http://www.pinterest.com/pin/453596993694038133/
Amanda @The Kitcheneer says
This bacon definitely has me drooling! For my#porkbucketlist I want to make a cured classic Virginia Ham. The kind that is fresh and uncured from the butcher. And takes like 2 days to make.
Lisa @ Garnish with Lemon says
This bacon just moved to the top of my #porkbucketlist I’m wishing I had some right now, can you send me some? 🙂 please?
Chris says
I like cold smoking but like you, I’m not reading to make the leap to meat, I’m just a bit reluctant to screw it up and kill someone. I’ll stick to cold smoking cheese, nuts, and spices.
Great flavor profile that you chose for the bacon. My next #porkbucketlist would be to break down a whole hog to the consumer level cuts.
Jackie says
My #PorkBucketList would definitely be making bacon too. I’d want to make a lavender one. (The herb, not the color. That color on bacon would be disconcerting.)
Nutmeg Nanny says
Ummmmm I want to live off this bacon. Please send me some 🙂
Michelle McEwen says
#PorkBucketList ~ bacon, cheddar, jalapeno sausage!
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
That bacon sounds incredible. I have never even thought of making my own!
Nicole Dz says
On my pork bucket list is Grilled Pork Chops with Maple-Cranberry Glaze. Sounds so delish!
Nicole Dz says
I pinned this post here: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/348466089891839920/
Lisa says
Yup, homemade bacon is definitely on my #porkbucketlist! And this recipe looks devine!
Lisa says
I pinned this at: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/287034176226098803/ because I want to know I have it in my back pocket for a moments notice!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
Complete awesomeness! Can you just imagine if we got together with your bacon and my bacon bourbon old fashioned?! 😉
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic says
What I would have done to be able to sit on your porch and inhale the glorious aroma of pork belly smoking all-the-live-long-day. My #PorkBucketList is extensive, but the Top 2 spots are reserved for smoked sausage and thick cut maple bacon.
Pam says
Bacon. Definitely bacon. Second place is prosciutto!
Susan Christy says
Asian Pork Belly is on my #PorkBucketList – my neighbor makes it and shares with me but I want to perfect it so I don’t have to wait till he makes it the next time!
Susan Christy says
My Pin – http://www.pinterest.com/pin/132293307778767819/
Jerril says
Our son just bought a smoker and spent MANY hours tending to it.; i guess a manual one. The brisket was wonderful. It has gotten us interested in smoking fish, and other meats. Not so sure of the hours it took him to cook it though it was wonderful.
Saylee says
#1 on my Pork Bucket List is finally getting a famous ice cream maker in Vermont to recognize that my flavor submission is pure genius…chocolate ice cream with candied bacon and peanutbutter!
Rachel Tilly says
#1 on my #porkbucketlist is making homemade smoked BBQ. A friend from church makes it and it. Is. Wonderful. Seriously so good. This bacon looks fantastic!
Leidy says
Here is my #PorkBucketList:
– Learn how to make Carnitas (mexican pulled pork) y chicharrones (pork rinds)
– Eat a chocolate espresso bacon popsicle
– Have a pig roast
– Eat pozole and menudo
Leidy says
Tweeted -https://twitter.com/neiddy_ruiz/status/504283592139497472
Amanda says
This is incredible!
Justme says
Chicharrones!
Wendy Moeller says
My #PorkBucketList would have to include homemade bacon!! And then chocolate covered bacon…
Sheila says
I have a 10-tray dehydrator and keep thinking of making some ham jerky to take snowshoeing this winter.
Kate says
Perfecting ribs!!
jennifer says
This, this bacon recipie is on my #PorkBucketList. Only I’m going to dip half in dark chocolate.
TONYK says
I JUST GOT MY MASTERBUILT SMOKER AND AS SOON AS I CAN GET A PORK BELLY I WILL GIVE THIS RECIPE A TRY AS IT SOUNDS DELICIOUS —
TONYK
Tim says
Curing and smoking my own bacon is definitely on my #PorkBucketList as is the perfect pulled pork!
Anne says
Someday, when I have more money than I have right now and have invested in a pressure canner, I will check canning bacon jam off my #PorkBucketList. What great gifts jars of bacon jam would make for my non-Kosher and non-vegetarian friends!
Anne says
I pinned your amazing homemade bacon recipe:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/85005511691761288/
Of course, I’ll only be able to make it in that same future when I can afford a pressure canner, because I’ll have to invest in a smoker, too! Still, a kid’s gotta dream, right? 🙂
Melissa says
Making my own bacon is right at the top of the list!
Cindy L says
Oh, smoking—–meats that is. I have done some but creating my own bacon would be such a challenge. And pork belly needs to be mastered at our house.
Sarah Christensen says
I’m dying to make bacon jam, it’s definitely on my pork bucket list!!
Sarah Christensen says
my pin – http://www.pinterest.com/pin/31877109838007279/
Sarah Hutson says
I think your maple bacon custard has to go on my bacon bucket list! It sounds devine!
Lexi @ Lexi's Clean Kitchen says
Oooooh my pork bucket list is huge after visiting Austin TX last week! 1. Definitely my own cured bacon. 2 PORK BELLY TACOS!!!!!
Melissa Vickers says
I really want to make my own sausages – including smoked and oil cured – using traditional (low tech) preparation and curing methods. 🙂
Emily says
My #porkbucketlist is long, but first up, making my own sausage.
Tarn A says
I think chocolate covered bacon is worth a try! Two delicious things must make a third delicious thing!
Kristen says
On top of our #PorkBucketList siew yoke (chinese style crispy skin pork belly). Ever in the hunt for the perfect crispy skin- and we have a new technique to try and accomplish it!
Alesa says
Learning to grill a bone in pork chop is on my #porkbucketlist!
Heather // girlichef says
Curing bacon at home has always been on my #porkbucketlist! Thanks for the chance to win: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/213921051025582163/
Jenny says
I want a smoker! We grill all the time, but smoked bbq meat… Mmmm… Your Maple Custard with candied bacon recipe is divine, I can’t wait to try it!
Erin Ellis says
Wow! I was going to say roasting a whole pig was on my #PorkBucketList, but after reading this post I have to say BACON! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
Erin
fairyfractal at gmail dot com
Erin Ellis says
Tweet:
https://twitter.com/Fairyfractal/status/512618145727533056
Thank you!
Erin
fairyfractal at gmail dot com
linda sch says
pork belly BLT
Lisette says
Oooh. I love smoked meat. Probably too much. I would get the smoker to make smoked everything. Bacon, pork shoulder, and everything else. Smoke everything!!!
Lisette says
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/272890058646372164/
Jodi M Bassett says
#Porkbucketlist !!
Sandy Headtke says
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151715081172746977/
ks Kristi says
Bacon bombs with cream cheese filling.
Mami2jcn says
I’d love to make a kielbasa sandwich right now.
Mami2jcn says
pinned–http://www.pinterest.com/pin/400046379373911355/
Chip Vogel says
Breakfast at a diner in California.
Sit near a window.
Order pork chop, eggs, bacon.
While eating say.
“Yeah, but bacon tastes good. Pork chops taste good.”
#PorkBucketList
AmyG says
I absolutely would buy really good quality thick cut bacon and maple sugar to make candied bacon.
Natalie J Vandenberghe says
I would like to know how to roast a pig–because Kalua Pork is SO delicious! #PorkBucketList
I’ve made candied bacon before, but decided I’d rather just have regular bacon with real maple syrup drizzled all over! There are so many pork dishes I love: from the holiday ham that is the centerpiece on our dining room table, to homemade potstickers (made with diced pork, green onions, and honey), the simplicity of pulled pork made in the slow cooker, and pork smothered in cream (not to mention that I think EVERYTHING is better with bacon!)…my mouth is watering already!
Your recipe sounds delicious! I think of all the possibilities for desserts made with pork, too. My son made an apple pie with bacon in his HomeEc class last year and it was judged the best of all the desserts! Pork pairs so nicely with apples, pears, maple, etc. I think it (in various forms, e,g. ham, shredded pork, bacon) would lend itself well to many of our beloved/traditional favorites (like pineapple upside-down cake with ham bits, maple bars with bacon…my list is endless!)
ok, I’ve rambled enough (sorry)
Thanks for the giveaway!
Natalie J Vandenberghe says
Your recipe sounds delicious! I think I’m going to make it. I forgot to mention that in my original comment.
Natalie J Vandenberghe says
Tweet! https://twitter.com/lexiquin/status/512650953091084288
Kim Norwood says
#PorkBucketList I’m going to be smoking a 20 lb fresh ham!!
Marie D. says
#PorkBucketList Definitely keep trying to perfect my homemade sausage but would have to get a smoker and try homemade bacon (hadn’t seriously considered that before now)
Barbara Haag says
My son makes chocolate covered bacon – guess it’s my turn to try that. It’s yummy!
nadine says
I want to make a candied bacon, apple crisp recipe YUMMMMMMM!!!
Jo says
I have always wanted to dig a pit and barbeque my own whole pig. Someday!!
AppleHillCottage says
My Pork bucket list?
Raise a pig!!
Tim Smight says
Bacon and blue cheese stuff filet mignon…..somehow, that sounds exquisite.
Sheri L. says
I’d love to learn how to make pork belly!
Sheri L. says
Here’s my pin for a recipe I want to try: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/231372499581783451/
Jeri says
I would really like to have a pig roast one day.
Kathy W says
Bacon jam. Absolutely. I keep saying I’m going to make some, but so far……
Vicki Davey says
Candied Bacon
Katie Contests says
Oh, anything bacon-related is on my list. I’m intrigued by products like bacon-aisse and bacon coffee and items like that!
Caitlin says
Sometime I’d like to get some pork belly to go in homemade ramen.
poohbah says
I’m hoping to make Dragon’s Breath Chili — but I don’t know if I’ll live to talk about it! It’s really hot….
Charlotte says
Everyone in my family is in love with bacon. If I bought a smoker and made my own… they’d all just about die and go to heaven. As would I 🙂
Teresa says
Make a chocolate cake with bacon in it for my son, as these are two of his favorite foods.
Sherri Jo says
I need to learn how to perfect pulled pork!
Alyssa Forkell says
pork smoker would be nice to nicely smoke some meat (:
Alyssa Forkell says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/serenitypassion/status/513736608089407488
Lauren says
I’ve already made peameal bacon from scratch (so delicious!) but I’ve been thinking about trying regular bacon as well.
elishia bakle says
porkbucketlist! so many things! i would love to try some infused pork with chocolate or maybe some bacon flavored ice cream! Def on bucket list is roast pig like real in the ground type!
Tabathia B says
To try the brownies or cookies made with bacon at a restaurant thats local or try making them myself
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
pinned-http://www.pinterest.com/pin/95560823318723807/
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tammi Velez says
First of all: You are a ROCK STAR!!
(There are also even of us at our house, so I know – nothing lasts. Ever. No matter how well you try to hide some in the crisper behind the giant head of cabbage. )
I want to learn to smoke some things myself, make my own sausage (and smoke those, too!) and make the best stuffed pork chops.
Emily says
Making my own bacon and smoking pork would be on my #PorkBucketList! Thanks for the awesome giveaway opportunity.
Amanda Sakovitz says
Pork chops are on my bucket list! I’ve never quite mastered them!
Amanda Sakovitz says
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/516619202472706048
Thomas Murphy says
Having a pig roast in my back yard is on my #PorkBucketList
Thomas Murphy says
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/516786950532243456
Keith L says
I made this bacon and it was way too salty. Then in looking at all other bacon recipes, they tell you to wash off the pork belly before smoking or it will be too salty. I made it again and with rinsing it in cold water first, it was great. Just wanted to let you know that in case others had that problem.
Barb Perry says
I made this and it is brining now I cannot wait to try it out. Our smoker is on it’s last legs, so a new one would be great.
Rebecca says
I’m so glad you’re excited, Barb! I hope you love it like we do!
[email protected] says
Hi their why only 3-4 days if brining i have been reading other recipes are 7-10 day.?is it because you use more salt? Im abkut to tey my first batch and dont want ro screw up thanks
M.
Thomas Brasher says
Is it cured in 3 days?
Michele M. says
Definitely want to smoke my own nitrate free bacon, since I had the most awesome stuff while in Virginia. Pork and a smoker = do many delicious possibilities! #PorkBucketList
Liane Paulson says
I would love to learn how to make a sagey pork sausage. Long ago I had distant relatives who had a pig farm and they made the best sausage!