Alan’s Roasted Green Beans with Candied Bacon

Alan’s Roasted Green Beans with Candied Bacon

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup light brown sugar

¼ tea fresh ground nutmeg
¼ tea crushed cloves
¼ tea fresh ground cinnamon
1 tea smoked paprika
Dash of chili powder
¾ cup chopped smoked bacon
1 pound green beans, cleaned and trimmed
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Fresh Lime juice
Cracked coarse sea salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 425° and place a cast iron frying pan on the stove over medium heat (with a splash of grape seed oil).  In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and spices.  Toss the bacon in with the sugar mixture and coat completely.

2. Cook the bacon in the cast iron pan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until crisp - about 8 minutes (careful not to let the caramelization seize).  Take the pan off the heat and remove the bacon and reserve for later.

3. Place the green beans in a bowl then pour the bacon renderings over top tossing the renderings with the green beans.   Season the green beans with salt and pepper.  Spread the green beans on a sheet tray and bake until tender - about 15 minutes.

4. Place the beans on a serving plate, drizzle with fresh lime juice and top with the candied bacon and cracked sea salt serving immediately.