1 lb. package bacon (each strip cut into quarters)
3 (8oz) cans of whole water chestnuts, drained
¼ cup brown sugar
½ cup soy sauce
Strain the water chestnuts to remove the liquid in the can.
Put the brown sugar and soy sauce into a large microwave safe dish, stir to combine and then microwave for 30 seconds to allow the brown sugar to dissolve.
Pour the water chestnuts into the brown sugar/soy sauce mixture and stir to coat all the chestnuts. Cover and refrigerate for 2 or more hours to let the chestnuts absorb the delicious mixture. Stir every half hour to evenly coat the chestnuts.
Once the chestnuts are marinated, start cutting the bacon into smaller strips. Cut each piece in half the long ways, and then cut in half the short way to have 4 pieces (see pictures below).
Once the bacon is all cut up, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and thoroughly spray a 9x13 glass baking dish with nonstick spray.
Wrap each chestnut with a piece of the bacon and arrange in the baking dish. It’s okay for pieces to be touching but try to space them out.
Put in the oven for 30 mins. Some will cook faster than others. Using tongs, pull the pieces that are crisp and done. Any remaining pieces that are not crisp can be put back in the oven for 5-7 mins.
To serve, I'll either put them in a small crockpot to keep them warm, or I'll serve immediately since they don't last too long. Have your toothpicks ready!
I know you must be thinking, "Who is Bow Deen and why are these delicious looking bites named after him?" Well to make a long story short, this is in reference to my brother-in-law, who has a alter-ego name of Bow Deen because that was the name his mother wanted to name him at birth. However, after some fun nights with friends we decided that his alter ego Bow Deen is who we really enjoy spending our time with and these bacon wrapped water chestnuts are one of his favorite appetizers that I make and bring to functions.
There's something about the crunch of water chestnuts that make them so satisfying to me. And then wrap them up in bacon with brown sugar and soy sauce and MMM! This is such a different, yummy treat that others will be asking for the recipe. Make sure to send them my way!