The Amazing Bacon & Shrimp Weave

This is my new masterpiece, the Bacon & Shrimp Weave.


Here's what it was filled with:
-Apple Smoked Bacon
-Deveined & Peeled Raw Shrimp
-Smoked Gouda Cheese Chunks
-Thyme Sprigs
-Jalapenos (cut up as small or as big as you like)
-Cayenne Pepper
-Lemon Zest

    First, weave the bacon like you would a basket.  You'll end up with a square shape.  It helps if your bacon is really cold because the firmness makes it easier to work with.  I actually stuck in the bacon in the freezer for a little while.  Your bacon will come back to room temp pretty quickly, so work fast.  For reinforcement, I actually doubled the bacon on the ends and that worked out pretty well.
    Then sprinkle as many shrimpies as you think you can roll up easily.  Season with lemon zest & cayenne pepper to taste.  Add a layer of your gouda chunks, Thyme sprigs and jalapenos.
    Last thing is to roll it up like a giant piece of sushi.  You're going to need a buddy to help with this part because you will be tying the whole roll using kitchen twine.  Use as much twine as needed to make sure they whole thing stays tightly rolled during baking.  Remember that its going to be ooey gooey goodness when it comes out of the oven.
    I baked this one at about 400 degrees for about 45 minutes.  You wanna make sure that the shrimp are cooked throughout the roll because this thing is pretty big and dense.  The bacon on the outside will harden into a nice brown shell.
    Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and enjoy!
    It was absolutely delicious and I want to put lump crabmeat in the next one.