Homemade Bacon

Directions

1. 1
   Start by bringing the water to a boil.
2. 2
   Then add the curing salt, brown sugar, black peppercorns & BBQ seasoning to the water for a few minutes while maintaining the boil.
3. 3
   Add the apple juice & maple syrup in with the rest of the ingredients & keep on the boil for a few minutes longer.
4. 4
   After the brine is done cooking make sure to add ice to allow it to cool.
5. 5
   The brine must be completely cooled or you will boil the meat in the brine which takes flavor out of the meat & affects the outcome of the bacon.
6. 6
   Place the belly in the brine and add it to the fridge for 7-14 days.
7. 7
   Take out of the brine & pat it dry then let sit in the fridge for 4-10 hours.
8. 8
   Then I place the bacon into my smoker at 125 for 1 1/2 hours.
9. 9
   This step is key because without adding smoke to the meat it's not considered bacon.
10. 10
    The traditionally used woods are hickory & apple wood.