MAPLE APPLE CRUMBLE WITH CANDIED BACON

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400^.Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.. Candied Bacon Mixture #2: Put each bacon strip in the brown sugar and coat evenly ; pressing the sugar into the bacon; then sprinkle on the pepper and place on wire rack in the prepared baking pan in a single layer. Bake for about 12 minutes or until deep red and caramelized. Check often as cooking time may vary as to the thickness of the bacon. Use tongs to place on a cutting board to cool completely. Chop up when cooled.
• Apple Maple Filling: In a 12-inch square casserole dish, combine the apple pieces, maple liqueur, vanilla bean seeds, and nutmeg. Mix together to combine.
• Crumb Topping: Turn down oven to 375^. In a big bowl, combine the ingredients ,except the butter. Mix well- add the butter pieces and blend in with a pastry blender. Evenly distribute the crumbs over the apple mixture and bake for 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
• When serving place in bowls and top each bowl with 2 Tablespoons of the candied bacon and sprinkle on a bit of cinnamon schnapps,if desired; or a little dribble of heavy cream or whipped topping with a little caramel sauce. OH IT'S SO GOOD!