Maple Bacon Bourbon Pops

Directions

1. 1
   Scrape seeds from vanilla bean.
2. 2
   Bring vanilla bean, seeds, cream and the next 2 ingredients to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
3. 3
   Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4
   Remove from heat and let cool completely (about 1 hour).
5. 5
   Remove vanilla bean.
6. 6
   Whisk in maple syrup and 2 cups water.
7. 7
   Pour mixture evenly into 3- or 4-ounce pop molds, and freeze without sticks for 1 hour or until slushy.
8. 8
   Push crumbled bacon into slushy pops, distributing bacon evenly throughout pops.
9. 9
   Place sticks in pops, and freeze 4 hours or until firm.
10. 10
    Unmold and serve immediately.