Honey Nut Bacon

This special treat has been served at Library Inn for thousands of years, and is one of the kitchen's signature dishes. It has become a symbol of Crossroads Island, bringing together elements from all over Argentii. Wildflower honey, pecans, bacon, and black pepper.

At least, those are the ingredients as everyone else makes it. The recipe got out, at some point, but not the whole thing, for there are certain secret spices that Nan adds to make Library Inn's honey nut bacon unlike any other across Argentii.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or baking foil.
2. Prepare the Bacon: Lay the acon strips on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don't overlap.
3. Mix the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar (if using), black pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Coat the Bacon: Brush each bacon strip with a generous layer of honey. Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the top of each strip.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the pecans are toasted.
Keep a close eye on the bacon to keep it from burning!
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

While this classic recipe is enjoyed year-round, it is espcially popular at holiday times when it is dressed up with seasonal nuts, toasted seeds, dried fruits, and spices. Because of the seasonality of these speciality ingredients, these variant recipes are often tied to specific holidays throughout the year.