Something New to Do with a Fab Slab

This was a hit over Memorial Day weekend. While I admit, it’s not a sweet “jam”, I actually see it getting used in some barbecue recipes in my future. We have a love for bacon, and this was great over biscuits! I’m thinking of mixing it with a great fig jam recipe and seeing if “fig and pig” catches on. I would also suggest (or at least consider!) swirling a bit into mashed potatoes, this could make leftovers a whole new world!

Slow-Cooker Bacon Jam
Makes 3 cups

1-1/2 pounds sliced bacon, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
2 medium yellow onions, diced small
3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup packed dark-brown sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
3/4 cup brewed coffee
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until fat is rendered and bacon is lightly browned, about 20 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from skillet (reserve for another use); add onions and garlic and cook until onions are translucent, about 6 minutes. Add vinegar, brown sugar, maple syrup, and coffee and bring to a boil, stirring and scraping up browned bits from skillet with a wooden spoon, about 2 minutes. Add bacon and stir to combine.
Transfer mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker and cook on high, uncovered, until liquid is syrupy; 3-1/2 to 4 hours. Transfer to a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped. Let cool, then refrigerate in airtight containers, up to 4 weeks