There’s something about a beautiful fall afternoon, a glass of wine and a good snack that just makes everything better. Add some mountain views and a short road trip, and you’ve got one of my favorite ways to spend a weekend afternoon.
One place my family and I absolutely love visiting is Mountain Brook Vineyards, located in Tryon, North Carolina, less than an hour from Spartanburg. It’s an easy little getaway that feels much farther from home than it actually is.
The property is beautiful, especially this time of year, with rolling hills, mountain views and plenty of outdoor space to relax. The Lawn offers indoor and outdoor seating, covered porches, fire pits and open-air gathering spaces.
The of course, there's the wine. Mountain Brook offers a variety of reds, whites, rosés, sangrias and tasting flights, making it a great place to try something new or settle in with a favorite.
One of the things I especially appreciate is that you're welcome to bring your own food. We love packing a few snacks to enjoy while we're there, and these sweet and spicy candied bacon crackers are one of our favorites.
If you don't feel like packing anything, the winery also offers a small food menu with cheese and charcuterie, locally made spreads and chocolates. Food trucks frequently visit on weekends, and the winery hosts live music, special tastings, dinners and seasonal events.
It's worth checking their calendar before heading out to see what's happening.
Now, about those crackers.
They're buttery, crunchy, sweet, salty and just spicy enough to keep you reaching for another. They're also ridiculously easy to make, travel beautifully and taste just as good at room temperature as they do fresh from the oven.
Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon Crackers
Makes approximately 36 crackers | Prep: 15 minutes | Bake: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
• 36 buttery rectangular crackers, such as Club crackers
• 12 slices thin-cut bacon, cut into thirds
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• Hot honey, optional, for finishing
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place an oven-safe wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
Arrange crackers in a single layer on the rack. Place one piece of bacon on each cracker.
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne, smoked paprika and black pepper. Spoon the mixture generously over the bacon, gently pressing it into place.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking frequently toward the end, until the bacon is fully cooked and the sugar is bubbling and caramelized. Cooking time may vary depending on bacon thickness.
If desired, drizzle lightly with hot honey while warm. Allow the crackers to cool completely so the coating sets before transferring them to a container.
These crackers are perfect for packing in a covered container and taking along to a winery, picnic or gathering. Keep them chilled during transport and until serving, then set them out to enjoy. They pair especially well with a Pinot Noir, a crisp rosé or even a glass of sparkling wine.
And with holiday parties right around the corner, this is definitely a recipe worth saving. Make a batch for Thanksgiving appetizers, Christmas gatherings, tailgates or your next girls' night. Just don't expect leftovers.
If you're planning a visit to Mountain Brook Vineyards, the winery is located at 731 Phillips Dairy Road in Tryon. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and noon to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The winery is closed Tuesdays.
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