Pig Candy

I can resist everything except temptation. - Oscar Wilde

Pig Candy is so good it ought to be a sin. In fact it probably is!

But that's not going to stop me from enjoying it every chance I get.

Even if it's not a sin, it's definitely a vice. You'll have no problem eating as much as you make. In fact, the biggest problem you'll have is stopping! Before you start, you better see if your insurance covers Diabetes. 

Pig Candy

Look, the truth is, it really don't matter how you make it -- it's gonna be real good!

What is Pig Candy?

Pig Candy is bacon covered with sugar. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. Sometimes the simplest things in life are the best. It creates a wonderful little sweet, salty, greasy, smokey bite unlike anything you have ever had before. 

The VERY EASY Directions for Pig Candy 

1. Pick the Right Bacon -- Thick cut bacon seems to work best. After that it's up to you.

2. Pick the Sugar -- Again it's up to you. Brown sugar seems to work best, but white sugar and raw (Turbinado) sugar were also suggested. I don't think it matters and I intend to experiment.

You can also add spices to the sugar. I added ceyanne and black pepper. Some readers mentioned adding a BBQ rub which I will try very soon.  Cinnamon is also good.

One Note of Caution - Whatever you add to the sugar make sure not to add very much if it is a powder.  Any powder (which has a finer ground than the sugar) will stick to the bacon first, not allowing the sugar to stick.  A better bet is to sprinkle the powder on after the bacon is coated with sugar and already on the cooking tray.   

3. Coat the Bacon with Sugar -- I have found that the method that works best for me is to chop the bacon first into 1 inch slices, fill a bowl about 1/2 full with the sugar, throw in about 6 to 8 slices at a time, put a lid on the bowl and shake until the bacon is coated. Repeat until all the pieces are done. Add more sugar if needed.  IMPORTANT -- be sure to throw out the remaining sugar as it has touched raw pork.

You can also coat the bacon after you place it on the smoker rack, but the bowl method is easier.

4. Cook the Bacon -- If you have a smoker, lay the bacon on a rack (coat it with your sugar if you didn't shake it) and smoke for 20 minutes at 225 then flip and repeat.

You can also cook them in the oven. Line a cooking sheet with aluminum foil and place the pieces on it. Cook slowly at about 300 degrees. Check frequently. When they are done (normal doneness for bacon) remove the sheet and quickly take the bacon off of the foil. If it cools they will start to stick. Simply put it back in the oven for a minute to melt the sugar and try again.

What do I do with Pig Candy?

It is good as a candy for parties, of course.

But I have also found that it is a wonderful topping for salads (especially with Blue Cheese Dressing.)  Try this and you will write 10 times thanking me.

It is delicious crumbled on pancakes with real maple syrup.

Let's face it, it's bacon and sugar -- you can't go wrong.

Please let a comment below and let us know how you use Bacon Candy -- especially if you find another way to enjoy it -- or if you find another way to make it.

We eat everything but the squeal. - Unknown 

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