Party-Size Candied Bacon Churros

1. In a large pot, preheat oil to 350 degrees F.
2. In a medium nonstick saucepan, bring 1/2 cup water, butter, sugar and salt to a boil.  
3. With a wooden spoon, stir in the flour until a dough forms.  Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for abot 2 minutes, or until batter is thick and sticky.
4. Remove from heat and beat in eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.  (Note:  If dough is too dry and remains in a tight ball, stir in an additional Tablespoon of water.)
5. Fold in candied bacon.
6. Scoop batter into a piping bag fitted with a small star tip.  (Note:  My star tip would not allow the dough to pass through because of the bacon bits.  Instead, I removed the tip and allowed the dough to come through the coupler.  It made perfect little uniform churros.  If you do not have a pastry bag, you can use a ziploc freezer bag.  Snip a 1/2″ hole in one corner after filling with the dough).
7. Pipe batter directly into the oil, cutting into 2-inch segments with kitchen scissors to create short, skinny pieces.  Fry in smal batches for 2 to three minutes (or until golden brown).  Transfer to paper towels to drain.     
8. In a big shallow bowl or baking dish, combine sugar and cinnamon.  Toss hot churros in cinnamon-sugar and serve with warmed dulce de leche or Nutella for dipping.  

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add bacon and fry, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes, or until crisp.  Transfer to a paper towel and drain all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the pan.
3. Return friend bacon bits to the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low.  Sprinkle sugar over top and stir.  Continue stirring until sugar is melted and bacon is well coated (3-5 minutes).  Pour candied bacon onto the prepared sheet and spread in an even layer.  Let cool and dry (about 30 minutes before using).

Tip:  Candied bacon can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.  If it begins to get sticky, spread onto a nonstick skillet and dry out over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.