Yup. I totally went there. Added bacon to a Christmas candy. Okay, in absolute fairness I can’t claim that it was my idea to do so. But I can claim to know a good thing when I see it. And these bad boys are good.
Last year I focused on savory treats for the holidays, but this year I’m whipping up sweet snacks and they all contain peanuts or peanut butter. I love both—pretty much everyone in my family does. My brother and his kids are particularly fond of peanut butter. And my nephews LOVE bacon. This become apparent after they spent 15 minutes sharing with me the many virtues of bacon a few years ago.
You can’t sneak anything by your Auntie Tanya. She’s a rocket scientist. 😀
Not.
Anyway, once I saw these delectable goodies, I knew they were making my “nice” list this Christmas. They are sinfully delicious. Often times I give away most of the sweets I make or otherwise they may spoil. But not these babies. I selfishly kept them all for myself. So good.
I always figure everyone indulges a little bit at Christmas, but I might have to watch my nephews. Otherwise they may lick the plate clean and not let anyone else try one. Or two. Or three or four. I’m not judging. 🙂
Bacon Peanut Clusters
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup salted dry roasted peanuts
- 1 Tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 4 slices bacon crumbled
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed, deep saucepan, stir together the white and brown sugars, buttermilk, corn syrup, baking soda and salt. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until the mixture reaches 235 on a candy thermometer.
- Meanwhile prep the remaining ingredients so you are ready to go once the mixture hits 235 degrees. Immediately remove from heat and add butter, vanilla, peanuts, peanut butter and bacon. Stir with a wooden spoon until creamy or the thickness you desire. I like my clusters to spread slightly.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto buttered parchment paper. Let stand for 30 minutes or until cool and firm. Store in an air tight container.
Notes
Enjoy!
Tanya
P.S. Be sure to checkout my post over at Tackling Our Debt where I share some tips to help make holiday baking a snap this year. Plus, I tempt you with another drool-worthy holiday treat: Chocolate Peanut Butter Saltine Toffee. Easy and addictive!
