Slow Cooker Tuesday ~ Week 11 {Slow Cooker Bacon Jam}

This winter, I have come out of the crock pot box! 

As part of my Slow Cooker Tuesday recipe series, I have used my slow cooker to make not only main dishes, but also a soup, a side dish, and desserts. It's been fun to try some different things. 

But I had never considered using the slow cooker to make an appetizer! Until this week. 

I am hosting a ladies' game night on Friday evening, so yesterday I put my slow cooker to work to get a jump start on the menu by making Slow Cooker Bacon Jam. (And it smelled sooo good while it was cooking!) Yes, that's out of the box, but it's a sweet, savory, barbeque-y kind of out of the box. 

On Friday, I'll toast some baguette slices, warm the jam to room temperature, and serve this slow cooker appetizer along with other hors d'oeuvres. (I'll let you know how the ladies like it!)

~ recipe via marthastewart.com ~ Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds sliced bacon, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces 2 medium yellow onions, diced small 3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled 1/2 cup cider vinegar 1/2 cup packed dark-brown sugar 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 3/4 cup brewed coffee  Directions: In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until fat is rendered and bacon is lightly browned, about 20 minutes.  With a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from skillet (reserve for another use); add onions and garlic, and cook until onions are translucent, about 6 minutes.  Add vinegar, brown sugar, maple syrup, and coffee and bring to a boil, stirring and scraping up browned bits from skillet with a wooden spoon, about 2 minutes. Add bacon and stir to combine. Transfer mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker and cook on high, uncovered, until liquid is syrupy, 3 1/2 to 4 hours.  Transfer to a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped.  Let cool, then refrigerate in airtight containers, up to 4 weeks.

Have you ever tried anything out of the crock pot box?

Looking for a recipe from another week?

Week 1: Cranberry Pork Roast

Week 2: Mexican Chicken

Week 3: Beef Ragu

Week 4: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Week 5: Cashew Chicken

Week 6: Chocolate Fondue

Week 7: Crock Pot Chili

Week 8: Crock Pot Rice Pudding

Week 9: Spiced Fruit Compote

Week 10: Italian Chicken Crock Pot Style