To Make the Bacon:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Spray a baking sheet with non stick cooking spray and line with foil.  Arrange bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet.  Sprinkle generously with brown sugar.  Place in the upper third of the oven and bake until sugar is caramelized and bacon is brown and crispy, about 10 to 15 minutes.  Remove from oven.  Immediately remove bacon slices using a pair of tongs.  Place them on a cutting board (not paper towels, they’ll stick!) to cool before chopping.  Once cool, chop the bacon into bite size bits and set aside.

To Make Waffles:

Set up your waffle iron on a level, clean surface and turn on to preheat.

In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and brown sugar.  Whisk to blend.

In a  medium bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, buttermilk and vanilla extract.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and fold.  Once almost fully incorporated, add the bacon bites.  Stir.  Try not to over mix the batter or the waffles will become tough.  It’s ok if a few lumps remain in the batter.

Cook according to your waffle machine instructions.

Serve with maple syrup and strawberries.

Enjoy!