ANDRÉ BARANOWSKITechniquesMaking Home Cured BaconStep 1 Trim pork belly to square off its edges. Rinse the pork, pat it dry, and transfer it to large sheet of parchment paper.Step 2 Measure out salt, sugar, black peppercorns, fennel seed, caraway seed, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves and coarsely grind in a spice grinder. In a bowl, combine garlic with spices and set aside.Step 3 Rub seasonings all over pork. Transfer pork and any excess spices to a 1-gallon resealable plastic bag and seal, shaking the bag to distribute the seasonings. Refrigerate for 7 days on a sheet tray, flipping the bag every other day. (Some brine will accumulate in the bag as the salt draws water from the pork.)Step 4 After 7 days, the bacon should feel firm to the touch. Remove bacon from the bag and thoroughly wash off the spices under cold running water. Pat bacon dry with paper towels.Step 5 Heat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer bacon to a 9 x 13 baking pan and roast until meat is lightly browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center reads 150 degrees Fahrenheit, about 2 hours.ADVERTISEMENTADADHome Cured BaconHome curing is easy and yields a far more flavorful bacon than the store-bought kind. What’s more, you can season the bacon any way you like; this recipe calls for a rub of fennel, caraway, rosemary, and thyme. See the recipe for Home Cured Bacon » Keep ReadingHow to Trim an ArtichokeBy BENJAMIN KEMPERA Brief Guide to the Wide, Wonderful World of Korean Rice CakesBy JIA H. JUNGHow to Assemble a Showstopping Charcuterie BoardBy GABRIELLA VIGOREAUXHow to Host a Lowcountry Boil, According to an ExpertBy ELLEN FORTThere’s a Lot to Love About NattoBy MEGAN ZHANGPeach and Fennel Salad with Sweet Tea GranitaBy JOEY EDWARDSHow to Clean and Care for Cast Iron PansBy GABRIELLA VIGOREAUXBraised Rabbit with Pan-Fried Radishes and Creamy PolentaBy ELIZA GLAISTERCarbone’s Cherry Pepper RibsBy MARIO CARBONESee AllContinue to Next StoryADVERTISEMENTADAD