I make a lot of healthy recipes. This is not one of them.

I’m not going to lie — most years I don’t care about the Super Bowl. I’m Southern — college football is my thing. But I do care about Super Bowl snacks. And the Puppy Bowl. How do you get the job of being a referee there? I guess I should have studied sports journalism.

The party we’re attending has a theme of “meat,” and by that I can only assume they mean “bacon.” So, bacon brownies it is. This recipe is inspired by one I found here. I usually like to make brownies from scratch, but Animal Planet has a “Too Cute” marathon on right now, so it’s a busy day.

Bacon Bourbon Brownies

For the brownies:

1 box brownie mix, such as Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge

1/4 cup bourbon

2 tbsp maple syrup

10-12 strips candied bacon

For the candied bacon:

1 pack center-cut bacon

2 tbsp molasses

2 tbsp maple syrup

Brown sugar and kosher salt for sprinkling

1. To make the candied bacon: Line two cookie sheets with foil; spray with cooking spray. Drizzle 10-12 strips of bacon with molasses and maple syrup, and sprinkle with sugar and salt. Bake in a 400 F oven until bacon is crispy, about 20 minutes. Cool completely.

2. Prepare the brownie mix according to box instructions, replacing the 1/4 cup water with bourbon. Add the crumbled bacon, and maple syrup; stir until well blended.

3. Spread the batter evenly in an 8 x 8″ square pan for a thick brownie, or a 9 x 13″ pan if you prefer a thinner brownie.

4. Bake in a 350 F oven for about an hour for the square pan, or 30 minutes for a larger pan.

These are a great addition to a Super Bowl party, or any party, really.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I definitely prefer the Seahawks for the Super Bowl, and Team Fluff for the Puppy Bowl.