Fig-glazed Bacon Sticky Knots

I love brunch. I love it for many reasons.

1. I have time to enjoy coffee and wakeup before making it.
2. Savory items galore, mixed in with a bit of sweet.

This recipe falls on the sweeter side…but with BACON.

After making this recipe you will only want bacon that has been coated and roasted in fig jam. Ohmysweetgoodness this bacon was good, and not all of it made it to the rolls…sometimes the Chef has to do quality control…a few times, especially when the bacon tastes this sweet and delicious!

To make the most of my time, I first made the dough, and then while it was rising I glazed and baked the bacon.

Fig Bacon Sticky Knots

Active Time: 25 minutes
1st Rise: 20 minutes
2nd Rise: 10 minutes
Bake: 15 minutes, glaze, then 5 minutes

Dough

• 1/3c warm milk
• 3tbsp sugar
• 1/3c butter
• 3 1/2tsp yeast
• 3/4c warm water
• 3c flour
• 1/2tsp salt

Glaze

• 6tbsp butter
• 1/2c brown sugar
• 1/4c granulated sugar
• 1/4tsp salt
• 2tbsp water
• 1c Pecans, chopped

Bacon

• 1pckg smoked bacon
• 1/4c Fig jam

Fig Bacon Sticky Knots

1. In the bowl of the stand mixer mix the yeast, warm water, and sugar and allow to become frothy.
2. Meanwhile in a small pot melt the butter and warm the milk together.
3. Cool the milk and butter until it is warm but not hot, add it to the yeast along with the salt and flour.
4. Preheat oven to 325°
5. Use a bread hook to mix the dough on medium-low speed until it forms a smooth elastic dough, about 5-8 minutes.
6. Allow the dough to rise for about 20 minutes, or until it springs back slightly when touched with a finger.
7. While the dough rises, spread the bacon onto a parchment lined sheet tray, using a silicone brush or spoon brush all pieces and each side of the bacon with the fig jam.
8. Bake the bacon for 20-30 minutes.
9. Once the dough has risen, turn onto a floured  surface, lightly pressing into a square and cut into long strips.
10. Tie the strips into knots and space evenly on a parchment lined sheet tray.
11. Turn up the oven to 350°.
12. Bake the knots for 15-20 minutes until they start to turn golden brown.
13. Meanwhile melt the brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, salt, and butter in a pot until melted.
14. Chop the glazed bacon into small pieces.
15. Once the knots turn golden brown, pull them out of the oven and glaze with the melted sugar mixture, sprinkle with chopped pecans and bacon.
16. Bake for another 5 minutes.
17. Cool, and enjoy brunch!