Bacon and Buns...who knew!!

I don't eat pork anymore but I think this recipe should satisy the sweet and the savory enthusiasts out there...enjoy!

TOTAL TIME:

Prep: 50 min. +rising time

Bake: 20 min.

MAKES: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

• 1 cup warm whole milk (110° to 115°)

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 egg yolk

• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2-3/4 to 3 cups all-purpose flour

• FILLING:

5 bacon strips, chopped

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ICING:

• 2 cups confectioners' sugar

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 2 tablespoons whole milk

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• Directions

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, egg yolk, vanilla, salt, nutmeg, yeast mixture and 1 cup flour; beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

In a small skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 2 tablespoons.

Wipe skillet clean if necessary. Combine brown sugar, syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and reserved bacon drippings in skillet; cook and stir over medium heat until blended. Cool to room temperature.

Punch dough down. Roll into an 18x12-in. rectangle. Spread bacon mixture to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a short side; pinch seams to seal. Cut into 12 rolls.

Place rolls, cut side down, in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°. Bake 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.

In a small bowl, beat icing ingredients until smooth. Spread over warm rolls. Serve warm. Yield: 1 dozen.