The Bacon Jams, $15
By Glen Macnow
Sold at various local stores
I'm not including retail items in this year's hunt, but I made an exception for excellence here. A few local pig-o-philes created this spreadable bacon product, and it deserves your attention. There is literally a half pound of bacon in an 8.5-ounce jar. It's diced, smoothed and enhanced with a little brown sugar, onions, apple cider and a few spices.
The only limit is your creativity. I found the Bacon Jam a great addition to a homemade grilled cheese sandwich and spread it on some salmon I cooked on the grill. And it was wonderful when I took a spoonful and dropped it right into the ground sirloin before forming it into a burger. Now that's a bacon burger. The idea sheet enclosed with each jar suggests also trying it in ice cream or beer. Think I'll pass.
The price is a bit hefty, but a little bit goes a long way. Three flavors: Original, black pepper and red chili and garlic. I liked them all.
Score: 80/100
