There comes a time in everyone's life when you're standing in the kitchen at 2am (pants optional) testing recipes. The quickly approaching morning sun seems irrelevant when you're busy creating the single most perfect food (dare we say) ever. Candied Salted Bacon.

Even if we're the only ones who find ourselves testing recipes far later than most, time had no effect on our senses when we declared Candied Salted Bacon to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. In fact, had candied salted bacon been discovered before sliced bread... well you get the picture.

It's a super easy treat that is perfect for any array of things. For starters, it's amazing in its own right and can be eaten solo as a snack or served as a starter. It would make a great accompaniment to sweet desserts and savory dishes alike and best of all, requires little attention or preparation time.

The quality of bacon used is the key to making the end result as triumphant as it should be. We used center cut, thin bacon from our local butcher, but there are acceptable versions at the grocer near you (although it usually runs a bit higher in price). Here's what else you'll need.

Candied Salted Bacon
Yields: 8-12 pieces (depending on package size)

1 package center cut bacon
3/4 cup light brown sugar
Kosher salt to taste

The oven method works best for this treat, simply line a cookie sheet (with sides) with parchment paper or silpat in preparation. Place bacon on cookie sheet, making sure not to overlap any edges. Lightly sprinkle each piece of bacon with brown sugar (1-1 1/2 tablespoons/each) and place cookie sheet in cold oven. Set temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake 20-25 minutes, keeping an extra careful eye on them starting at the 18 minute mark.

Remove from oven and place cookie sheet on wire rack. Sprinkle kosher salt over bacon pieces. Enjoy!

We want to warn you ahead of time that it will take all of your strength to not eat the entire pan before it all cools. It's just as tasty cold mind you, but while warm it's a perfect food that will take you away to your happy place. If you claim to not have a happy place, the warm candied, salted bacon will provide one for you.

Add it to a salad or pizza, add it to your next batch of ice cream or fudge or just eat it in your underpants in the kitchen at 2am like we do. Any way it's served it's sure to be a hit!

Related:
• Appetizer Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Potato Bites with Spicy Sour Cream Dipping Sauce
• Best Methods: Three Ways to Cook Bacon
• Tip: Save Your Bacon Fat

(Images: Sarah Rae Trover)