Ingredients:

  • 2 (8-ounce) cans Canned Water Chestnuts, whole, well-drained and patted dry (450 g total)
  • 1 pound Thin-Cut Bacon (Streaky), about 20 slices, cut in half crosswise
  • 40–45 Wooden Toothpicks (soaked in water for 10 minutes)
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed (100 g)
  • 1/2 cup Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (120 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar (15 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (5 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme (2.5 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1.25 ml)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Components: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Soak the wooden toothpicks in a small bowl of water for at least 10 minutes to prevent scorching. Pat the drained water chestnuts completely dry.
  2. Prep and Assemble the Bites: Slice each strip of bacon in half crosswise. Wrap one half-slice of bacon tightly around each water chestnut. Secure the bacon by piercing it horizontally with one soaked toothpick.
  3. Initial Bake Setup: Arrange the wrapped water chestnuts seam-side down on a wire rack placed inside a rimmed baking sheet.
  4. Partially Cook the Bacon: Bake the assembled bites for 20 minutes. This allows the bacon to render some fat and begin to crisp up.
  5. Drain Excess Fat: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the tray and blot any major pools of rendered bacon fat from the bottom of the pan with paper towels.
  6. Make the Glaze: While the bacon is cooking, combine the brown sugar, cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and black pepper in a small saucepan.
  7. Simmer the Glaze: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the glaze thickens slightly (about 3–5 minutes). Remove from heat.
  8. Glaze and Final Bake: Brush the partially cooked bacon bites generously with the cranberry glaze. Return the bites to the oven for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the bacon is deeply caramelized, crisp, and the glaze is sticky and bubbling.
  9. Serve Hot: Remove from the oven and serve immediately, or allow them to cool slightly on the rack before transferring to a serving platter. The wire rack is crucial for maximum crispness.