Father's Day isn't necessarily about celebrating your flesh-and-blood father. It's sort of like Mother's Day. It's about celebrating the important people in your life, the ones who were and are influential in the person you have become or will become. That can be a grandfather, brother, god-father, even mother. Father's Day is about taking time to say "Hey, thanks. Parenting is hard and I turned out ok. So props to you for not screwing up too badly." As sassy as that sounds, it's the truth. Parenting is hard work, not for the meek. Take a minute on Father's Day to thank that brother/cousin/uncle/great uncle/godfather for what they do. Thank them with bacon treats. In general, guys are easy to please. Load them up with a few cold brews, a classic movie or two and some tasty eats and they are good. And keeping with the thought that bacon makes everything better, why not go in that direction? This tomato bacon jam is a perfect crowd-pleaser if you are hosting a Father's Day get together. It's sweet and salty and just a little bit spicy. Toss it on top of crackers and serve with cheese for a traditional spin. Or load it on top of a burger or a cornmeal waffle for a new twist.
Ingredients
½ lb. bacon
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 cups cherry tomatoes, chopped
2 tsp. paprika
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
¼ cup own sugar
2 Tbsp. white sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground mustard
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
Directions
Fry bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Use tongs and remove bacon from the skillet, placing it on a paper towel lined plate. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease. Add the onion to the skillet and cook until translucent. Crumble in bacon and add it back to the skillet with the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until thick. Allow to cool then transfer to a jar. Serve with crackers.
Makes 1 cup of jam
--Kim Cooper--