BBQ Pork Rub (store bought is fine: I prefer Sweet Rub O Mine, or you can use homemade)
Cayenne pepper (optional)
*Preheat your smoker to 225. Use apple/cherry wood chips. If using an oven, preheat to 225.
1. Lay your bacon flat in a large pan/tray
2. Coat your bacon in the pork rub, brown sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup on both sides. If using the cayenne pepper, add that as well, sparingly. Let marinade for about 15 minutes or overnight in the fridge if possible.
3. Lay your bacon on a bradley rack/baking rack on top of a sheet lined with tin foil. Make sure the bacon isn't touching as the strips will stick together. I like to sprinkle mine with some brown sugar just before I place it in the smoker/oven.
4. Place in the oven/smoker and cook for about 50 minutes. Then, using tongs, carefully turn the bacon strips, coat with more brown sugar, and place them back in your oven or smoker. Cook for about another 50 minutes. The bacon should be flexible when you remove it but it will firm as it cools. It shouldn't break when you bend it, but should be chewy and flexible. No need for plates! Eat this goodness right off the rack : )