Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

September (Saturday before U.S. Labor Day):  International Bacon Day

Everything is better with bacon—especially when wrapped around roasted water chestnuts and smothered in a sweet barbecue-style sauce! We serve these bite-sized bundles as appetizers and they are really popular at parties and potlucks.  They may be messy to make but they can be prepared ahead of time and then served later. Celebrate with a savory sampler at your next social gathering and on International Bacon Day—bake bacon-wrapped water chestnuts!

Recipe

(From Ingrid K.)

• 1 pound bacon strips
• 2 cans (8 ounces) whole roasted water chestnuts
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ cup ketchup
• ¾ cup brown sugar (we used C&H brand)

Directions

Soak toothpicks in water to prevent them from burning in the oven. Cut bacon strips in half or thirds and peel apart. Drain the cans of chestnuts and pat dry. In a large bowl, mix the Worcestershire sauce with the ketchup and brown sugar until smooth.

Stir in the chestnuts and bacon until well coated. Wrap a piece of bacon around a chestnut, rinse hands in a bowl of water and secure with a toothpick. Place each on a foil-lined baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining chestnuts and bacon.

Spoon the extra sauce on the bacon-wrapped chestnuts. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes, making sure the bacon is thoroughly cooked. Carefully remove each piece and serve on appetizer trays.

Notes

• Thanks to Ingrid K., Highlander’s former co-worker, for giving us this recipe at her retirement party.
• Other Bacon Day dates include the first Saturday in January after the new year and February 19. In Manchester (United Kingdom), it is observed on January 14. A Facebook users group is promoting March 5 as National Bacon Day.