How To Make The Ultimate Autumn Harvest Cheese Board

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, maple syrup, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
3. Place bacon slices on a large baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. Remove the bacon from the oven and brush both sides generously with the brown sugar mixture. Return the bacon to the oven and bake another 5 minutes. Brush with the sugar mixture every 5 minutes until bacon is caramelized and crisp, about 30 minutes. Immediately remove the bacon from the tray and set on a rack to cool.
5. In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the apples, bourbon, and light brown sugar.
6. Bring to the boil, then turn down to a low heat. Cover and simmer for an hour, stirring every 10 minutes or so to make sure the apples don't burn.
7. Remove the lid and blend using a stick blender until smooth. Mix in the pumpkin pie spice blend, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Continue to cook down, stirring often, until thick and browned, about 1 hour. Blend again, if necessary.
8. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.