Maple and Black-Pepper Bacon

Preparation Preheat oven to 375°F with racks in upper and lower thirds. Arrange bacon slices in 1 layer (not overlapping) on racks of 2 large broiler pans (if you only have one, use a large rectangular metal rack set inside a large baking pan for the second). Bake until fat is rendered but bacon isn't crisp, about 20 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Arrange all of bacon in 1 layer on rack of 1 broiler pan. Brush top with syrup and sprinkle with pepper. Bake until bacon is crisp and deep golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain, glazed side up, on paper towels. Cook's note:Bacon can be kept warm in a 250°F oven up to 1 hour.

Preparation Preheat oven to 375°F with racks in upper and lower thirds. Arrange bacon slices in 1 layer (not overlapping) on racks of 2 large broiler pans (if you only have one, use a large rectangular metal rack set inside a large baking pan for the second). Bake until fat is rendered but bacon isn't crisp, about 20 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Arrange all of bacon in 1 layer on rack of 1 broiler pan. Brush top with syrup and sprinkle with pepper. Bake until bacon is crisp and deep golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain, glazed side up, on paper towels. Cook's note:Bacon can be kept warm in a 250°F oven up to 1 hour.