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Maple Bacon Twists

Image may contain Food Bread Dessert and Pastry
photo by EJ Armstrong

We have to thank the geniuses at Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland, Oregon for inspiring these sweet dreams intertwined with a strip of thick, salty bacon, all drizzled with a glaze made with real maple syrup. It's almost too good to be true. You may need to clear your schedule for a month or two so you can make these EVERY weekend.

Par-Cooked Bacon

Place two layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Lay desired amount of bacon in a single layer on top of paper towels and cover with 2 additional paper towels. Microwave bacon for 2-2 1/2 minutes, or 30 seconds per slice.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 12 doughnuts

Ingredients

1/3 cup warm water (110°F)
1/4 cup sugar, divided
1 1/8 teaspoon yeast (1/2 packet)
1 large egg
3 tablespoons buttermilk
1 3/4 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
12 slices thick-cut, maple-flavored bacon, par-cooked (see note)
Peanut or canola oil, for frying

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to activate the yeast. Whisk in the remaining sugar, egg, and buttermilk. Add the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Knead the dough with the dough hook attachment until well combined, about 3 minutes. The dough will be very sticky.

    Step 2

    Transfer the dough to a large bowl coated lightly with cooking spray. Cover, and leave in a warm, draft-free place to rise until doubled in size, 1 1/2-2 hours.

    Step 3

    Transfer the dough to a floured surface and pat or roll it into a 1-inch thick rectangle, approximately 8x12 inches. Cut the dough into 12 (1x8 inch) rectangular pieces with a pizza cutter or sharp knife.

    Step 4

    Lay a slice of bacon on top of each piece of dough and twist 2-3 times to form a spiral, pinching the ends to adhere dough and bacon. Repeat with the remaining bacon and dough pieces. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

    Step 5

    Preheat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.

    Step 6

    Deep fry the doughnuts, a few at a time, until the dough is fully cooked and the bacon is crisp, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a sheet pan lined with paper towels.

    Step 7

    Drizzle the doughnuts with Maple Glaze and let the glaze set before serving.

Reprinted with permission from Bacon 24/Seven: Recipes for Curing, Smoking, and Eating by Theresa Gilliam. Photographs by EJ Armstrong. Copyright copy; 2013 OUR LITTLE BOOK COMPANY; photographs copyright © 2013 ARMSTRONG PITTS STUDIOS. Published by the Countryman Press.
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