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1Step 1: Render Bacon and Prepare Topping
- Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced bacon (8 slices total) and cook until it is crisp.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the crisp bacon and drain on a paper towel.
- Split the crisp bacon into two halves. Set one half aside for the chili base, and the other half for the topping.
- Maple Candy Topping: Lay the topping half of the crisp bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush generously with a small amount of the reserved maple syrup. Bake in a oven for just 5–7 minutes until caramelized. Remove, let cool, and chop into crumbles. Set aside.
2Step 2: Brown the Beef & Aromatics
- Increase the pot heat to medium-high (using the reserved bacon fat). Add the ground beef and season with salt and black pepper. Sear the beef, breaking it up as you cook, until browned. Remove the seared beef and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced yellow onion and roasted red pepper to the pot (still using the bacon fat). Cook for 5 minutes until soft.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Spice Bloom: Add the Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Ancho Chili Powder, and Ground Coriander. Cook and stir for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
3Step 3: Build the Chili and Simmer
- Return the seared beef to the pot. Sprinkle the meat with of All-Purpose Flour and toss to coat. Cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the Cocoa Powder, Espresso/Coffee Powder, Soy Sauce, and Sriracha.
- Pour in the Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes, Kidney Beans, Bourbon, the remaining Maple Syrup, and the uncandied half of the crisp bacon (for the base). Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the final seasoning with salt and pepper.
4Step 4: Make the Cornbread Waffles
- While the chili simmers, preheat a waffle iron to medium heat ( to ).
- Mix together the corn muffin mix, egg, and milk (or as per mix instructions).
- When the waffle iron is ready, lightly grease and pour in batter. Cook until steaming stops. Repeat with the remaining batter.
5Step 5: Serve
- Place half a corn waffle onto each plate.
- Spoon a generous amount of the elevated Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili over the waffle.
- Top with a sprinkle of the Maple Candied Bacon crumbles and minced raw onion.
- Pour a glass of Zinfandel and enjoy!
