​Flavored Butter: How to Make Bacon-Maple Butter (Oh, My!) by Gigi Gaggero

Bacon-maple butter is delicious on just about anything, including a good grilled steak. (Insert big, happy sigh.)

You’ll need:

• 1/2 pound unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces and frozen
• 4 strips bacon, cooked crispy 
• 1 tablespoon reserved bacon fat (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Here’s how to make it:

1. Add the maple syrup and cook without stirring on medium heat until syrup reaches 235 degrees F, about 8-10 minutes. (When the syrup begins to boil gently, tilt the pan so the syrup covers the thermometer bulb to get an accurate reading.)
2. Remove the syrup from heat and add the frozen butter one to two pieces at a time. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until all butter is incorporated.
3. Add the salt and bacon fat, if using.
4. Pour the syrup into the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat until light in color, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Gently crumble the cooked bacon and fold in. Pour the maple butter into clean mason jars. Allow to cool. 

The bacon-maple butter can be stored up to two weeks in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer.

Variation: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and for a spicy finish, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Or both! You decide.