Bourbon, Black Cherry & Bacon Brownies

Step 1

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. In a small pan, warm (don’t boil) the cherries in the bourbon, then leave to infuse for at least 20 mins.

Step 2

Meanwhile, mix the cinnamon with the maple syrup and brush both sides of the bacon with it. Lay the rashers on a rack set over a roasting tin covered in foil and roast, basting occasionally with the syrup, for about 20 mins until they look nicely browned. Take them out and leave to cool completely on the rack while you make the brownie mixture.

Step 3

Follow your chosen recipe to make the brownie mixture and heat oven to the required temperature. Drain the bourbon-soaked cherries and add them to the brownie mixture. Chop the bacon into little pieces (it will crumble very easily) and add to the mixture too, stirring everything together. Bake as per the recipe, then leave to cool completely before dusting with cocoa and slicing into squares.