Submitted by Mimi chang

About the cook: I am a busy mom who loves to entertain most weekends. My food is budget, time and kid friendly but also entertainment worthy. I take iconic American food and put a novel twist to it. As I always tell my boys, you only live once so live it UP! I have been fortunate enough to cook on The Rachael Ray show (winning the Bobby Flay Burger contest) and on the Food Network (on the series "All Star Academy" as one of the top 10 Home cooks)

About the dish: Salty Sweet and Smoky never goes wrong! I had a box of raisins in my pantry that I needed to use up and this was what I came up with. This app is always a fan favorite. In fact, I am going to be making it this weekend for a BBQ.

National Origin: American

Serves: 6

Estimated Time: Under 30 Minutes

Ingredients:

1 small baguettes, sliced diagonally into 15 1/3-inch to 1/2-inch slices
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
8 oz goat cheese
8 strips of thick cut or center cut bacon
1 cup raisins
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
6 peppercorns
2 Tablespoons of Balsamic Vinegar
2 Teaspoons of Smoked Paprika
2/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

Brush oil on baguette slices. Grill bread for 30 seconds on each side. Set aside.
Meanwhile, place skillet over medium high heat and place the bacon slices in one layer. Cook bacon, flipping them over now and then until they are browned on both sides and cooked through, but not yet crispy, 7-9 minutes. Remove from heat and cut bacon into 1 inch pieces.
Place bacon, raisins, brown sugar, peppercorns, balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, water and salt into small sauce pan. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to an active simmer. Allow to cook until liquid reduces and thickens, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Place a generous tablespoon of cheese onto each slice of baguette.
Take raisin mixture and place in processor. Pulse until “grainy smoothness” . Place 2 Tablespoons of raisin bacon jam onto each cheese covered baguette slice.

Favorite