1 lb pack of thick cut uncured (hickory smoked) bacon
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
½ cup dark brown sugar (can also use light brown)
½ cup water
⅓ cup strong brewed black coffee
2 extra large sweet vidalia onions sliced thickly
Directions
On a cutting board, slice the bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and transfer to a large frying pan or dutch oven on cooktop. Turn heat to medium-high, and fry until pieces separate and are still chewy. Do not cook until crisp!
Using a slotted spoon or fork, remove bacon from grease and transfer to a paper towel. Save about a tablespoon of bacon grease.
Add the onions to the empty pan and cook on medium-low for about 8-10 minutes then reduce the heat to low. Add the brown sugar and stir. Continue to cook until the onions have caramelized to a dark golden brown (about 20-30 minutes).
When onions have caramelized, add the bacon, black coffee, and water and increase the heat to medium. Continue to cook, stirring about every five minutes, until the onions are thick and gooey/”jammy” – about 30-35 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar and bourbon.
Serve on crunchy bread, crackers, toast or waffles! Can be used as a sandwich spread, on pizza – almost anything where the taste of sweet/salty/bourbon are desired. And yes, even a spoonful on top of vanilla or caramel flavored ice cream is perfectly acceptable!
