Molasses Black Pepper Bacon Food

MOLASSES BLACK PEPPER CURE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine salt and sugar. Spread molasses evenly over pork belly, then coat with the pepper. Spread the salt and sugar mixture generously over the entire slab. Place into a re-sealable plastic bag and refrigerate for 3 days.
• After three days have passed, remove the pork from the brine, rinse the belly, and pat dry with paper towels. Lay on a rack over a sheet pan and place in front of a fan for 1 hour to form a pellicle. Lay the pork in the protein box of a cold smoker and smoke for 4 to 6 hours. Chill the meat in the freezer for 1 hour to stiffen for easy slicing into strips of bacon. Slice what you need and keep the remainder in a freezer safe bag in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Place the strips of bacon onto a sheet pan fitted with a rack and place into a cold oven. Turn the oven to 400 degrees and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon. Remove from rack and drain on paper towels. Enjoy.

BACON AND MOLASSES BEANS

Steps:

• Cook the bacon in a heavy pot over medium heat until crisp (about 5 minutes) transfer to paper towels.
• Drain off some of the fat but not all of it.
• Add in onions, bell pepper and garlic; saute for about 7-8 minutes until tender.
• Add the bacon back into the pot with all the remaining ingredients; stir to combine.
• Season with salt and pepper if desired.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 30-35 minutes, or place in the oven to bake.