Coffee Bacon Amuse-Gueules

Amuse-Gueule is French for mouth watering delight. This Coffee Bacon treat was originally intended as an appetizer, but it is so much more than this. We serve it for lunch with a fresh tossed salad. The amalgam of textures and flavors is beyond any words we might attempt to put together to describe it appropriately. The boldness of fresh roasted coffee beans sets the tone without overwhelming the bitter sweet play of apple and molasses. Experiment with this one. Try new ingredients. We've heard of someone who crushes walnut into the Brie for extra texture. In short, these Coffee Bacon Amuse-Gueules are certain to become a new guilty pleasure. Serves 4 as an appetizer; 2 if you make it a meal. 

Ingredients - 

1/4 cup freshly ground coffee
(We recommend Organic Peruvian or a Dark Roast)
2 tbsp packed dark brown sugar
1 tbsp molasses
Water
6 slices uncooked bacon
1/2 French baguette
1 Green apple
Brie
Fresh Spinach
Mayonnaise to taste

Method - 

In a bowl, combine coffee grounds, brown sugar, molasses and enough water to make an easily spreadable mixture (add water gradually, by the tbsp, to attain desired texture).

Spread enough plastic wrap on a large dish so that half a length of wrap can be folded over the dish in a later step.

Layer bacon slices atop the wrap, overlapping them so that the fat is exposed on each slice.

Spread the coffee and molasses mixture on the fat of each bacon slice. Pressing it down with the back of the spoon. Do not flip the bacon over.

Fold the plastic wrap over the bacon. Refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350. Lightly brush off coffee spread residue. Lay bacon slices on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Do not overlap. Bake on center rack until almost crisp, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove bacon from oven. Switch setting to broil. Lay bacon strips on paper towel or a clean cloth to drain.

Meanwhile, slice 1/2 baguette (no thinner than 1/2-inch). Cut Brie into bite-size pieces. Quarter and slice apple.

Place baguette slices on the baking sheet. Broil on top rack until bread edges turn brown. Remove from oven.

Spread with a thin layer of mayo (more if desired). Top with bacon, broken to fit, spinach leaves, Brie and apple slices in desired order.
Serve, perhaps with a good iced coffee on the side.