Pickling spice in bacon?!

[GreggP]

So I used Saucisson Mac's bacon brine... http://saucissonmac.blogspot.com/2009/10/taking-back-bacon.html

It contains pickling spice. I am smoking the bacon this morning, but fried up a slice last night. While it's pretty salty I will say it has an OVERWHELMING taste of pickling spice.

Once I apply the smoke will that help mellow it out, or should I paint the slab in maple syrup prior to smoking? Any other ideas?

 

[JimK]

I've used that recipe a few times and by the time you get smoke on it, it's not really that strong.

You could always soak it in fresh water for a bit. In fact, you can fix the saltiness with a soak too, if its too much.

 

[GreggP]

JimK, you were absolutely right - Once it was smoked, the aroma of pickling spice became a minor footnote and actually quite pleasant. I'll be doing it again, in fact. It's just terrible unsmoked...But who wants that, anyway?

 

[JimK]

Glad it turned out.