Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Yield: 20 slices bacon

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chile powder
• 20 slices of thick-cut bacon (1 1/2 pounds)
• Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°.
2. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with foil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the brown sugar with the chile powder.
4. Arrange the bacon strips on the foil and coat the tops with the chile sugar.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until caramelized and almost crisp.
6. Transfer the bacon to a rack set over a sheet of foil to cool completely; serve.

Notes: Great in a Bloody Mary or on its own. The bacon candy can be made earlier in the day; store at room temperature.

Recipe Origin: This is our adaptation of a Food and Wine recipe.