Bacon Brownie Results

So, they were good. Definitely worth building on. I learned a few things, both about bacon and baking in general. Basically, this is how it went down-

I used Duncan Hines dark chocolate brownie mix

I bought a package of Tyson thick cut bacon

I baked 8 slices of the bacon in the oven at the recommended temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes. I put a sheet of wax paper under it to help catch the grease and keep the bacon from sticking to the pan.

After that was done I drained the grease off into a bowl (we'll get back to it in a minute) and took the bacon off the sheet and set it aside. 

I then started making the brownie mix. It called for 3/4 cups water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 2 eggs. I used the recommended water and eggs, but decided to substitute a mixture of the bacon grease and butter for the oil . They are in the same family basically. I mixed this until it was smooth and turned back to the beautiful bacon. 

I chopped up the bacon (it was basically crisp) into small chunks and added it (a little more than 1/2 a cup) to the brownie batter, mixing it in thoroughly. I was unable to control myself and tasted a little of this concoction. It was sinfully delectable. 

I chose to bake it in an 8x8 pan. It had the highest cooking time of 55 minutes. I was willing to wait. I have no reason that I chose this other than it seemed easier to watch and control if the process seemed to be going awry . I turned the temp down to the recommended temp for the brownie mix and slipped it in the oven. 

55 minutes later they were almost done. I let it bake a few minutes longer after they failed the 'toothpick test'. Finally, they were done.

After letting them cool from skin removing hot to still a little too hot to consume, I tasted....

It wasn't quite rapturous, but it was fairly close. The play of rich chocolate against the savory bacon....the crisp slivers of bacon melted in my mouth as the soft brownie...this is starting to sound almost pornographic....

So, all in all, I think this recipe could be improved upon. While it was amazing, I think it could be taken to a level of palate ecstacy unknown by man thus far. I will do further research. All I know so far- more bacon. 

Upon hearing this news, Pete was instantly jealous that I was jumping the gun, even though I claimed to be doing it as a preliminary trouble-shooting experiment for our BACing session Friday night. It was purely a sacrifice for the cause. Today, he sent me a picture of what I am calling the 'Poor Man's Bacon Brownie'...a cheap imitation of the true delight. 

While it looks tempting, I've had the real thing, and perhaps it's better that you don't know what you're missing, Mr. Licata. It does (as stated in text message) still look like the best piece of sushi ever. 

So there you have it! More reports on the BACing experiments to come!

Holly