Spicy Candied Bacon with Goat Cheese and Berries

I returned from a trip to Scotland this week to find an interesting message on my answering machine. I had been selected as a finalist in the dessert category of the Central Market bacon recipe contest! Finalists were required to bring their prepared dishes to the Southlake store where they would be judged by a panel of 3 judges who work at Central Market's cooking school. Needless to say I was thrilled to have been chosen but a little nervous at the thought of preparing food for real people instead of my diplomatic husband who happily eats anything I prepare without  comment. He knows better by now.
But I digress.. Despite being hesitant to make a fool of myself, I realized this would be a great learning experience. I convinced my neighbor, Carol, to accompany me on my adventure and we spent part of the afternoon deciding how to best present the dish.  When we arrived at the store on Wednesday evening there were 3 chefs competing in the dessert category and 3 in the savory category. It didn't really hit me what I was doing until I saw the other contestants setting up their displays. they all looked so confident and professional. Talk about a fish out of water! TWe began by introducing ourselves and speaking about our recipes. Fortunately I was last to speak and had plenty of time to think of what to say. We then presented our creations to the judges who took the time to savor every mouthful, scribbled notes on their judging sheets then disappeared to discuss their votes, allowing us the chance to sample one another's dishes. The judges returned, gave critiques of each recipe then announced the winners. I couldn't believe I had taken 1st prize and was delighted to win a $350 gift card for Central Market! Here's my creation below.

In this recipe thick juicy bacon is candied with a spicy caramel coating then topped with a scoop of creamy goat cheese and berries to create a taste sensation that is out of this world. Be sure to make enough as these are guaranteed to disappear fast.

INGREDIENTS

6 strips thick cut bacon
3 teaspoons sriracha seasoning
1 ½ teaspoons ground cardamom
½ cup brown sugar
7.5 oz creamy goat cheese
¾ cup mixed berries, fresh or frozen and thawed

Pre-heat the oven to 350F.
Begin by preparing the cheese topping. In a small bowl mix together goat cheese and berries until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
In a separate bowl mix together sriracha seasoning, sugar and cardamom. Set aside.
Cook bacon for 4 minutes in center of oven then turn strips over and cook for a further 4 minutes. Remove from oven, pat dry then transfer to a separate baking sheet. Liberally sprinkle sugar mix on both sides of bacon slices then return to oven and broil for approx. 90 seconds. Turn slices over and cook for a further 90 seconds. Remove bacon from oven, place on a sheet of waxed paper and allow to cool for a couple of minutes. Using a melon baller or cookie dough scoop place 1 – 2 scoops of cheese mix on each bacon slice and serve immediately while bacon is still slightly warm. Enjoy!