Bacon Brittle

Directions

1. 1
   Grease baking sheet; set aside.
2. 2
   Spread bacon onto microwaveable paper towel.
3. 3
   Microwave on HIGH 1 min.
4. 4
   Transfer bacon to medium bowl.
5. 5
   Immediately add pepper; toss to coat.
6. 6
   Add pepitas and pecans; mix lightly.
7. 7
   Mix sugar, corn syrup and water in medium saucepan.
8. 8
   Bring to boil on medium heat, stirring constantly.
9. 9
   Cover with lid.
10. 10
    Cook 2 to 3 min.
11. 11
    or until sugar is dissolved.
12. 12
    (Do not stir.)
13. 13
    Remove lid from saucepan.
14. 14
    Continue boiling sugar mixture 20 min.
15. 15
    or until mixture reaches hard-crack stage (300 degrees F to 310 degrees F).
16. 16
    Remove from heat.
17. 17
    Immediately stir in bacon mixture; pour onto prepared baking sheet.
18. 18
    Use greased spoon or spatula to spread bacon mixture into even layer; cool completely.
19. 19
    Break brittle into bite-size pieces.
20. 20
    Store in tightly covered container at room temperature.