INGREDIENTS:
The Bread
Terra Breads French Baguette
2-3 tbsp olive oil
The Cheese
10 oz goat cheese, room temperature
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
2 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
The Jam
12 oz bacon
2 tbsp salted butter
3 medium onions, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
1/4 cup water
12 oz fresh cranberries (optional)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (to taste)
1/2 tsp fresh thyme
The Bread
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Cut your French Baguette on an angle into 1/2 inch slices.
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Space slices evenly on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
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Bake at 450° F for 6-9 minutes.
The Cheese
Add goat cheese, cream cheese, olive oil and salt to a food processor. Whip until smooth and creamy.
The Jam
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Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon to the skillet and cook until crispy and all fat has been rendered. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel to cool. Meanwhile, strain the bacon fat through a fine mesh strainer and into a clean bowl. Once cool, finely chop the bacon into small pieces.
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Return the skillet with two tablespoons reserved bacon fat plus two tablespoons butter to the skillet. Add the onions and salt and sauté until softened and translucent - approximately 10 minutes. Stir frequently.
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Stir in the black pepper, brown sugar, and sherry vinegar. Mix well to combine and cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes or so. Add the chopped bacon back to the skillet. Stir.
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Add the water and the fresh cranberries. Stir well to combine and cover with a lid. Reduce heat to low. Continue to cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until cranberries have burst and the mixture is thick and syrupy.
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Remove from heat and stir in balsamic vinaigrette and fresh thyme.
To assemble: spread a layer of the cheese mixture onto each baguette slice, then top with the jam.
Tip: make each part up to a couple days ahead of time, then assemble your slices just before you need them!
Cranberry Bacon Jam Recipe from The Forked Spoon.
