Brie & Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini

These Brie & Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini make a delicious appetizer for any event.

INGREDIENTS

• 16 ounces bacon
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup sherry vinegar
• ¼ cup bourbon
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp fresh thyme, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for brushing on crostini)
• 1 large baguette loaf
• 6-8 oz Brie cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place an oven-proof wire baking rack over a baking tray. Lay the bacon strips in an even single layer on top of the wire rack and bake for 20 minutes until crispy.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. In a medium bowl combine the sherry vinegar, bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and water in a small bowl and set aside.
4. In a medium sauté pan, add the diced onion and olive oil and sauté on medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the onions are soft and translucent.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for a further 30 seconds.
6. Add the brown sugar and bourbon mixture. Increase the heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 30 minutes until the mixture has reduced and started to thicken.
7. Chop the cooked bacon into ½ to 1-inch pieces and add to the bourbon mixture along with the chopped fresh thyme. Continue simmering for about 5 more minutes.
8. Remove from heat and transfer mixture to a bowl and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator for 2 hours to let the flavours meld and deepen.
9. Preheat the oven to broil. Slice the baguette into ½-inch slices and brush with olive oil. Place baguette slices oil side up on a large baking sheet. Broil for about 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
10. Remove crostini slices from the oven and top with a slice of creamy brie cheese while still warm. Top with one tablespoon of the bourbon bacon jam and serve immediately.

Note: The bacon jam will store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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