Caramelized bacon with nuts

Ingredients:

• 225 g thick slices of smoked bacon or pork belly
• 1/2 cup whole or chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp. l. natural maple syrup
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp ground red cayenne pepper

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius (375 degrees Fahrenheit). Use the top shelf of the oven for baking. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil (this will make it easier to clean).
2. In a food processor, combine the brown sugar and pecans and process until finely chopped. Add salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper and mix thoroughly. Add the maple syrup and mix thoroughly until the crumbs are completely coated.
3. Cut each slice of bacon into four equal pieces and place them on a baking sheet. Using a small spoon, spoon the nut mixture into an even layer on each piece of bacon. Use all the mixture.
   
   Bake for 25-30 minutes. The topping should be nicely browned but not burnt. If the bacon isn't cooked through, it won't be crispy after cooling.
4. Then transfer the hot bacon to a plate covered with a paper towel and let it cool. Serve the bacon warm. (Caramelized bacon can be made ahead of time and kept in a warm place until serving.)