Maple Chocolate Pudding Speared with a Bacon Spoon

The first time I ordered bacon to stand at attention while knee deep in chocolate was in 2003 at the opening of our Soho boutique.  This recipe is the original ancestor of the growing Vosges bacon + chocolate family and the first manifestation of my childhood bacon and chocolate dreams. This sensuous appetizer reappeared at my 2005 gypsy wedding to my Love where mini shot glasses were handed out amongst the trees to guests who eagerly reached for the bacon spear spoon.

First you grasp the crisp strip dripping in the “pudding,” slowly bring it to your mouth and marvel at the taste of the sweet, maple-scented pudding. Dip again with your bacon and nibble as you spoon in the richness of the pudding.  Often the bacon spear is finished before the pudding has vanished and I have many times witnessed guests drink down the final drops or reach for an extra bacon spoon to finish off the last drops.  SO be sure to have extras arranged on a platter. Trust me they will disappear.

Sizzlin’ Bacon in Shot Glasses with Maple Syrup “Pudding”

5 oz milk chocolate, 45% cacao is my favorite, melted
3 oz heavy whipping cream
2 oz maple syrup – Grade A maple syrup amber
Vanilla bean, sliced in half and seeded (optional)
Bacon, Nueskes apple wood smoked thick cut
1 tbsp Alderwood smoked salt

Yields: 1 1/2 cups about 6 servings ( 2 oz per serving)

For a stronger vanilla flavor soak the vanilla bean and scraped pod overnight in the cream.

The next day:
Preheat oven to 375F.  Place parchment paper on a baking sheet and line with bacon. Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown.

Boil cream with vanilla bean seeds and pod. Once the boil is reached turn off the heat and let infuse and cool for 10 minutes. Pour the cream atop the melted milk chocolate.  Using a whisk, stir chocolate, cream and maple syrup slowly together to a glossy emulsion.

Partially fill vodka shot glass or Riedel “O” glasses or any small cute cups with the warm pudding.  Sprinkle with a pinch of smoked salt and place a spear of bacon in the center sticking out from top.  Serve “pudding” warm. Encourage guests to use the bacon as a “spoon” to eat the pudding, nibbling it down as they go. Be sure to serve extra bacon on the side.

Alternative presentation:
Skewer the bacon on long wooden skewer sticks, weaving the raw bacon onto the stick.  Bake the skewers to golden brown. Remove from oven, place on a platter and drizzle with chocolate maple “pudding.” A show shopper either way, I assure you.

These are wonderful hors d’oeuvres for breakfast and dinner.