BOURBON BACON BRITTLE

INGREDIENTS

1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, plus more for pan

1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 3/4 c. sugar

1/2 c. light corn syrup

1/2 c. water

Flaky sea salt

1 c. toasted pecans, chopped

2 tbsp. bourbon

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

DIRECTIONS

1. Line a large baking sheet with foil and grease with butter.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer reaches 260°, about 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and add butter and a large pinch of salt. Stir once then return over medium-high heat and cook, without stirring, until the syrup turns golden and the thermometer reaches 285°, about 5 more minutes. Add bacon, vanilla, bourbon, and baking soda. (It will foam!) Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture turns a deeper golden and the thermometer registers 300°.
4. Immediately pour the mixture onto prepared baking sheet, tilting and spreading the mixture into a thin layer. Let cool completely before breaking into pieces.