Easy Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus {Paleo, Gluten Free}

Name: Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4-6
Ingredients: 4 -5 pieces of uncured nitrate free peppered bacon (keep 1 tbsp of the rendered bacon fat for cooking)1 tbsp or more of coconut sugar (divided)1 bunch of large asparagus ( about 15-20 spears)1 shallot (sliced)1/4 tsp each sea salt/black pepper1 tsp or more of lemon juice (optional but brings out the flavors!)

March 18, 2016 61 Comments Rate This Recipe!

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How to eat more vegetables. Just add CANDIED bacon! Easy Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus It’s paleo, gluten free, and super easy! But there is a simple tasty trick to this bacon and asparagus dish, so keep reading!

Hey hey it’s trivia Friday! Okay I don’t have any trivia questions per se, but I do have a real important question for you! What is a vegetable that you just love. I mean one you CAN’T live without? Got it? What is it? I’m going to assume that most of you like asparagus. Why? Because asparagus really doesn’t have a strong flavor. Which means you can pair it with um, let’s say… candied bacon or any other sweet buttery goodness to create one magical vegetable side dish and FLAVOR OF LOVE!

Plus asparagus is just so so pretty. A vegetable you can “ooooh and ahhhh” over and then drool on. Yes? Just nod your head and then stare below. Gah.. that green!

Now, about this asparagus, besides the fact that I have an infatuation with it.

On any given day, if you came by my house, you probably would not find asparagus in the fridge. At least not on a regular basis. I always have vegetables, just not that one in particular. I know, gasp! Keep reading. . I have a new plan for that.

You see, two of my most favorite vegetables are the ones that my husband does not like. Go figure. I did not sign up for this when I married him. Kidding. I should not complain, the man really is easy to please. He likes just about everything. But yes, when it comes to vegetables, my two loves, asparagus and mushrooms, are not so welcome here. And I’m started to feel asparagus separation anxiety. Struggles.. (I “may” be exaggerating).

The point of this post is not to express my anxiety without asparagus, but instead, to persuade ANY of you non asparagus lovers out there to try this version with peppered candied bacon. Because let’s face it, bacon does wonders. Even the vegan coconut bacon can add great flavor! Yes, in my opinion. But I digress.

Where was I? Oh yes, this candied bacon and asparagus dish and my persuasiveness. Now, don’t get me wrong, I usually don’t care this much about an asparagus dish, I promise. But when it comes to eating your vegetables, I will do everything in my power to convince a non vegetable eater to try them, at least once. And if that doesn’t work, I hide the vegetables (ahem …. see chocolate peanut butter dough ball recipes with hidden veggies for that experiment).

So here we go. Our (my) plan of “mission” attack! We’re dressing up asparagus. We’re making it IRRESISTIBLE! We’re pulling out all the magic cooking cards! And we’re making it in just in time for Easter. Isn’t that convenient?

I give you my peppered candied bacon and asparagus dish! Oh heavens, this really is heavenly. I mean The smell alone of this bacon with shallot and then sautéed asparagus make your mouth water; even when you’re not hungry. You can literally bring home the bacon and eat it too. Feel free to quote me on that.

It’s quite simple really. But here’s my MAGIC trick. First, a little bit of coconut sugar to your bacon, then cook it. Next save the bacon fat from cooking pan, let it thicken up a bit at room temperature, then and add it your pan just before searing the asparagus. Place asparagus, a bit of pepper/seasoning, and chopped shallot in pan then cook on medium for about 10 minutes, really! That’s it! I’d also say the key to this dish is having the BEST type of UNCURED all natural peppered bacon. Quality is UBER important.

Simple, yes. Magical —> HECK YES!

Speaking of magic, this crispy bacon wrapped asparagus recipe by Wholesome Yum is definitely added to the “let’s dress us asparagus” quest! Love the sugar free low carb option too! YUM!

Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus

★★★

2.5 from 2 reviews

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4-6

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Description

Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus {Paleo, Gluten Free}

Ingredients

4 -5 pieces of uncured nitrate free peppered bacon (keep 1 tbsp of the rendered bacon fat for cooking)
1 tbsp or more of coconut sugar (divided)
1 bunch of large asparagus ( about 15-20 spears)
1 shallot (sliced)
1/4 tsp each sea salt/black pepper
1 tsp or more of lemon juice (optional but brings out the flavors!)

Instructions

preheat oven to 400F. Lining a baking pan with foil.
Place 4-5 pieces of uncured smoked or regular peppered bacon on baking tray.
sprinkle with 1/2 to 3/4 tbsp of coconut sugar. make sure it’s evenly distributed on bacon.
Bake on bottom rack for 15- 18 minutes.
Remove from oven. The longer the crispier. You can easily do this in the microwave too if you are short on time. See notes.
Spoon 1 – 2 tbsp of the bacon juice into a bowl. Let it sit for later use.
Once bacon is somewhat cooled, chop it into small pieces. Set aside.
Next clean your asparagus and trim bottom stems.
Slice your shallot lengthwise.
Place the bacon fat in a large skillet on medium heat.
Add in your asparagus, shallot, pepper, sea salt, and little more coconut sugar if desired.
Sautee veggies for about 10 minutes or until asparagus is more golden and only slightly crispy on the ends.
Remove from heat.
Place asparagus on a serving dish and add your candied bacon bits.
Spoon any extra juice from the skillet over the asparagus/shallots/bacon.
Feel free to add more pepper/lemon/salt here if desired.
ENJOY!
sautee for about 10 minutes or until asparagus

Notes

if you buy smaller thinner asparagus, they will cook faster. So watch the pan carefully.

Short on time. Just cook bacon in microwave. cover with paper towels but don’t cover the bottom of the bowl or plate. You want the juice to drain there. Then cook 45 seconds at time. Probably 3 to 4 times at 45 sec. each or until crispy. Keep the fat from the plate.

To Make this Dish You Will Need

Coconut Sugar Better Body Foods

Skillet- Martha Stewart brand

Baking Sheets

Then plate it and sprinkle your peppered candied bacon on top. Garnish with a bit of lemon and a touch of sea salt and you are set!

This whole dish takes less than 35 minutes. And if you can’t get a non asparagus eater to like this dish, then something is wrong with them. But I will say this… I “may” have made my husband an asparagus lover after making this candied bacon and asparagus dish. The whole plate was devoured, which leads me to think he really liked it or was truly starving. Or both! Haha.

I’d also like to credit the smell of candied bacon in the oven. It’s like the most comforting and delicious smell that literally brings you to the table.

Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus dish —> WINNING! —-> MISSION COMPLETE!

Match made in FOOD Heaven! EASY PEPPERED CANDIED BACON and ASPARAGUS. #paleo

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What’s your go to method for convincing a non vegetable eater to eat their vegetables?

Cheers,