Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the sugar, maple syrup, and rice vinegar. Set aside.

Step 3

Place bacon slices on a large baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, turning halfway through.

Step 4

Remove the bacon from the oven and brush both sides generously with the brown sugar mixture. Return the bacon to the oven and bake another 5 minutes. Brush with the sugar mixture every 5 minutes until bacon is caramelized and crisp, about 30 minutes. Immediately remove the bacon from the tray and set on a rack to cool.

Step 5

In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the apples, bourbon, and light brown sugar.

Step 6

Bring to the boil, then turn down to a low heat. Cover and simmer for an hour, stirring every 10 minutes or so to make sure the apples don't burn.

Step 7

Remove the lid and blend using a stick blender until smooth. Mix in the pumpkin pie spice blend, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Continue to cook down, stirring often, until thick and browned, about 1 hour. Blend again, if necessary.

Step 8

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.