Bourbon Bacon Apple Pie

Sure it might come with a few extra calories, but this gem is packed with tasty goodness. Pre-heat your oven, get your mixing bowls ready, grease up your pie pan, and prepare your family for the winning recipe at the 2^nd Annual Thrill the Grill in the bacon category.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup flour, divided
• 6 Tbsp. cold butter, divided
• 5 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 ready-to-use refrigerated pie crust (1/2 of 14.1-oz. pkg.)
• 6 cups sliced peeled Golden Delicious apples (about 6 apples)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tbsp. bourbon
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

Heat oven to 400ºF.

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon and 1/2 cup flour in medium bowl. Cut in 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp.) butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in bacon.

Place crust in 9-inch pie plate as directed on package for one-crust filled pie. Place apples in large bowl. Add granulated sugar, remaining flour, bourbon and vanilla; mix lightly. Spoon into crust. Cut remaining butter into small pieces; place evenly over apples. Cover with crumb topping. Place on baking sheet.

Bake 30 min. Reduce oven temperature to 350ºF; bake 30 min. or until apples are tender. Cool.