Bourbon Bacon Brittle

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. 2
   Lay bacon strips on a foil lined baking sheet. Brush bacon with 3 tablespoons bourbon and sprinkle with brown sugar on both sides. Bake for 13-15 minutes, until it starts to caramelize and becomes crispy. Chop the bacon with a knife into small bite size pieces.
3. 3
   Spread pecans on a baking sheet and lightly toast them in the oven at 400°F for 7 minutes.
4. 4
   Line a baking sheet with a silpat mat or parchment paper. Make sure you have all the rest of your ingredients measured and ready to pour in the brittle when it gets to the candy stage. You can mix the vanilla and bourbon and the bacon and pecans together to make it easier.
5. 5
   In a medium sauce pan, combine sugar, corn syrup and water over medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture starts to boil. Increase heat to high and cook, without stirring, until it reaches 290°F using a candy thermometer. I recommend using one, but if you don't have one, boil until it turns a golden amber color. Immediately remove from heat. Quickly stir in butter, remaining bourbon (carefully!), vanilla, baking soda, bacon and pecans.
6. 6
   Pour mixture onto the prepared baking sheet as quickly and thinly as possible. Use a wooden spoon to spread it if necessary. Sprinkle with sea salt right away and cool for at least 20 minutes. Once it set, break into pieces and enjoy!
7. 7
   Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.