Ingredients

The following ingredients have 10 Servings
  • 1 pound bacon, chopped
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup coffee
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, plus 1 sprig to garnish
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste, optional
  • Kosher salt, to taste, optional
  • Crostini, assorted cheeses, and crackers, to serve

Instruction

  • Cook bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until the bacon is crispy and the rendered fat begins to foam, about 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined baking sheet and discard of all but about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat.
  • Return the skillet to medium heat and pour over the onions. Cook until soft and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.
  • Add in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, coffee, garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper– if using. Stir and cook until the mixture is a warm brown and somewhat thickened, about 5 minutes.
  • Finely chop the bacon. Then add the bacon back to the onion mixture and continue to cook until the mixture is dark reddish-brown and is jam-like in consistency, about 10 more minutes. If the mixture dries out as it cooks, add a couple of tablespoons of water at a time, as needed. Taste and season with kosher salt and adjust seasonings, as desired.
  • Remove from heat. If too chunky or not jam-like, pulse briefly in a food processor or blender. Transfer to a large bowl or jar, garnish with a sprig of thyme, and serve at room temperature with crostini, assorted cheeses, and crackers.