SLAB BACON RECIPES RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place bacon in an 8-inch square baking dish, and rub all over with pepper. Bring cider and maple syrup to a boil in a small saucepan, and pour over bacon. Cover with foil, and braise bacon in oven 55 minutes. Turn over bacon, cover, and braise 50 minutes more. Remove foil, and let bacon cool in liquid.
• Remove bacon from braising liquid, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Transfer liquid to a small saucepan; bring to a boil, and cook until reduced to a glaze (you should have 1/3 cup).
• Toss bacon in glaze to coat, and cook in a nonstick pan or preheated cast-iron skillet over medium heat, turning once, until deep brown and caramelized, 3 to 4 minutes total.

Steps:

• Pick over black-eyed peas to remove any stones. Place the peas in a large bowl with cold water to cover them by 2 inches. Soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain.
• Fry bacon in a large pot over medium heat until the fat is rendered. When the bacon is crisp, add garlic and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Add water, thyme, salt, pepper and the soaked peas; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and cook, stirring once or twice, until tender, about 45 minutes. Serve hot with cornbread, rice or both.