Golden Fried Mush with Maple-Bacon Syrup: Diner Classic

Ingredients

• 4 cups (950 ml) Water
• 1 teaspoon (6 g) Salt
• 1 cup (150 g) Yellow Cornmeal (Stone-ground recommended for texture)
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) Unsalted Butter, or vegetable oil, for greasing the pan
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Milk (optional, for creamier mush)
• 4 slices Thick-Cut Bacon
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Pure Maple Syrup
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Apple Cider Vinegar (optional, for tang)
• Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Vegetable Oil, or rendered bacon fat