Bacon Wrapped Lil' Smokies

Happy Fat Tuesday!
Today's post is inspired by my husband. He wonders around Pinterest and finds crazy things that he would like for me to make him. I usually don't, they are just too crazy for my taste. These bacon wrapped lil' smokies have been on his recipe board for a few months. When I found out he was giving up bacon for Lent, I knew what I had to make for him! He has raved about these ever since they came out of the oven, and they are about half gone. These would be wonderful for a football watching party, potluck, or anywhere else you need to bring that appetizer that everyone loves!
Source: Tasty Kitchen

Ingredients:
1 lb. package of Beef Lil' Smokies
12 slices of Maple flavored Bacon-uncooked
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Directions:
First, the prep work, put the lil'smokies onto a sheet pan, pat dry with paper towels, and place in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Next, cut each slice of bacon into thirds. Put the bacon on a paper plate with paper towels in between each layer. Refrigerate these until the lil' smokies are ready. This is a very important step that you should not skip, even in a time crunch. This will make the wrapping process so much easier because it will not slip out of your hands.

While you are waiting for the lil' smokies and bacon to get really cold, make the glaze! Whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, and pepper. And, wait.

Remove the lil' smokies from the freezer and the bacon from the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Now, wrap each lil' smokey with one slice of bacon and press the lil smokey down, to close the seam. Place each lil' smokey onto a sheet pan that is lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil (two coats.)

Using a spoon, spoon out a little of the glaze onto each little smokey. Bake for 30 minutes. I thought the bacon needed to be a little crispier, so then I put the oven on broil and left them in for another 3 minutes.

These have proven themselves to be worthy, as they are now all gone. Enjoy!