BACON CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

INGREDIENTS

• 12 ounces bacon, cut into 1/4-inch dice*
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup reserved bacon fat, chilled

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons bourbon liquor
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 8 ounces dark chocolate 65-percent or higher cocoa content, chopped into small pieces**

DIRECTIONS

In a large saute pan, cook out the diced bacon until the bacon pieces are golden and crisp. Remove the bacon pieces from the fat and drain on a paper towel. Strain the fat through a fine sieve and measure out a 1/2 cup bacon fat and chill the bacon fat until it congeals and is set.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.