Improv Challenge: Vanilla Bean and Bacon S'mores

As you know, I've been slacking lately in the blogging department. I haven't felt like there is anywhere near enough time in the day, even on the weekends, to get anything accomplished around here.

As you also probably have noticed, I don't create a ton of my own recipes. This is for two reasons. 1. I usually think of a great ingredient pairing then forget about it by the time menu planning/grocery list writing comes around. Or 2. I end up finding almost the exact same thing on the internet already. And I know everyone has their own version of apple pie or beef stew but sometimes I just feel like what is the point in sharing another version.

I debated on not participating in this Improv Challenge because I couldn't think of a single recipe involving bacon and beans that wasn't so obvious. But I also occasionally go through spurts of "go big or go home", meaning my brain will continue to challenge itself until it finds something worthy. Hence, this recipe.

My thought process was as follows: bacon and beans. Baked beans are waaay to obvious. Beans. Black beans? Navy beans? Kidney beans? I don't really like beans... Green beans! Green beans and bacon...too overdone. Beans. Jelly beans? Vanilla bean! Vanilla bean caramels topped with bacon! ...Do you really think you temperamental stove is going to allow to caramel? Vanilla bean ice cream with candied bacon? ... Vanilla bean marshmallows with bacon. Noooooo. Vanilla bean and bacon s'mores! That's it! I'm a genius! It's going to be delicious!

My husband raised his eyebrows at me when I told him of the combination but I assured him it was going to be delicious, he just needed to wait and see.

So, here we are. That is how this recipe came about and why I shared the vanilla bean marshmallows with you yesterday.

Vanilla Bean and Bacon S'mores
Source: A Cookaholic Wife Creation
Marshmallows from Annie's Eats
Servings: 4
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Ingredients:

2 graham crackers, broken in half
1 Hershey's candy bar, broken into 4 pieces
4 vanilla bean marshmallows
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to broil.
2. Place the chocolate bars on top of each graham cracker and place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes or until just softened.
3. Place the marshmallows on top of the chocolate bars and return under the broiler for 1-2 minutes more or until marshmallows are just browned.
4. Sprinkle the top of marshmallow with the crumbled bacon.

Patience is not my strong suit, so I immediately dove into this taking a huge bite. Which is how I ended up with marshmallow and chocolate running down my fingers and all over my lips as I hovered over the sink, laughing at the mess I was making while this incredible flavor combination danced among my tastebuds. Fair warning, you're gonna need a wet napkin after this.

But.

IT. IS. SO. WORTH IT!