Bacon Candies

Ingredients:

• 16 slices of bacon
• 1.5 cups of sugar
• 1.5 cups mixed nuts
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 1.5 tsp baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 110g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the pan
• 3/4 cup corn syrup, can be substituted with honey or invert syrup

Preparation:

1. Prepare a baking sheet, line it with foil and grease it with butter.
   
   Fry the bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Place on paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cool, cut each slice of bacon in half.
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1/2 cup water in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 250°F (125°C). Use a candy thermometer to measure the temperature.
3. Remove the syrup from the heat, add the butter, nuts, and salt, and stir. Return the mixture to the stove and cook over medium-high heat, without stirring, for 5-10 minutes, until the syrup turns a golden caramel color and the temperature reaches 140°C.
   
   Stirring constantly, carefully add the bacon to the mixture, vanilla extract and baking soda (the mixture will foam vigorously). Boil for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the foam subsides and the mixture darkens slightly.
4. Carefully pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, then gently tilt it so that the mixture spreads evenly into a thin layer.
   
   If necessary, move the bacon pieces to a place where there is less of it. Let the mixture cool completely, then break it into candy-shaped pieces, remembering to remove the candy foil.