If you live in an omnivore family, this is a quick and simple way to spread the flavour of bacon to a wider group. Something that would have been very useful towards the end of winter in ancient times, when supplies might be running low. Sheep and cows would be getting ready to have their babies so milk and therefore fresh butter would be available and by adding bacon drippings and finely chopped bacon, all sorts of food items could be “improved”.
Maple syrup is not just a Canadian winter favourite but we do enjoy our sugar shacks in Eastern Canada and there are people on the West Coast who are tapping non sugar maples and getting some lovely tasting syrups.
You will need:
1/2 cup of room temperature butter, salted
1 Tbsp. bacon drippings, at room temperature
3 Tbsp. crisp and crumbled bacon bits
1 Tbsp. maple syrup (optional)
In a medium bowl combine the ingredients and with a fork squeeze and stir until combined.
The addition of maple syrup is optional and works well on Saturday morning pancakes and waffles or cornbread.
The unsweetened option adds extra depth of flavour to sandwiches, scrambled eggs/omelettes and appropriate muffins. (I know some people would say bacon goes with EVERYTHING!)
This butter can also be used as a starting point for sautéing onions in any number of recipes.
Go forth and experiment!
Store in the fridge if not using up on the day made and remember to allow time for this butter to return to room temperature when it will be used for spreading.
Maple Bacon Butter from My Kitchen Wand
