Praline Bacon: Sugar + Bacon = Good Times

Sugar-crusted bacon with a peppery kick contrasts the creamy saltiness of Blue cheeses. The mouthfeel is unforgettably lush and the flavor is addictive. That just may be the understatement of the year.

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup almond meal (or ground almonds, pecans or walnuts)
• 2 tsp. dry mustard
• 1 tsp. salt
• 12 slices thick-cut or slab pepper-encrusted bacon

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Combine all ingredients but bacon in a wide, shallow dish. Dip and press each slice of bacon in sugar mixture on both sides. Lay bacon strips on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle additional sugar mixture over the bacon slices in the pan.

Roast the bacon until the fat begins to render, about 6 min. Rotate the pan front-to-back and continue roasting until the bacon is crisp and brown, about 8 to 10 min.

Remove, cool and break or cut bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Serve warm or cold with cheese.