Bourbon, Black Cherry and Bacon Brownies

• dried sour cherries↗200g g
• bourbon↗100ml ml
• cinnamon↗1 tsp tsp
• maple syrup↗50ml ml
• smoked bacon strips6
• your favourite brownie mix

  mix (see 'Suitable for' in our 'Best Brownies' recipe)

• cocoa powder↗a little

  for sprinkling

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C convection/gas 4. In a small saucepan gently heat (do not boil) the cherries in bourbon, then let them steep for at least 20 minutes.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, mix the cinnamon with the maple syrup and brush both sides of the bacon. Place the strips on a rack set over a foil‑lined tray and bake, basting with the syrup occasionally, for about 20 minutes until nicely browned. Remove and let them cool completely on the rack while you prepare the brownie mix.

3. 3

   According to the chosen recipe, prepare the brownie mix and preheat the oven to the required temperature. Drain the bourbon‑soaked cherries and add them to the mix. Cut the bacon into small pieces (it crumbles easily) and also add to the mix, mixing thoroughly. Bake as directed, then let cool completely before sprinkling with cocoa and cutting into squares.