It breaks every rule in the Book of Common Sense, but I experimented with a new recipe for the occasion, despite the fact that there would be people there who I'd never met.
Risky, I tell you. Ris. Ky.
But, as they say: no guts, no glory. And I'm thankful today for the glory.
Oh, these are naughty. In the very best way. They're single bites of goodness, so you may find yourself popping the entire two dozen into your mouth without knowing it.
(There are worse things.)
They require a little bit of time on the assembly, but as one who always balances cost and benefit, the benefit wins here. Trust me, and try them out at your next gathering -- even if you don't know everybody! They won't fail you.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Makes 2 dozen
8-oz. package of pitted dates (or around 24 dates)
1 4-oz. package of goat cheese
1 package bacon
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees, and line a large baking sheet with foil. (It'll be the easiest clean-up you'll ever know. And be sure that baking sheet has sides to catch any grease that goes rogue.)
- Slice open each date lengthwise, careful to keep one side closed. I like to slice all the dates first, for the most efficient assembly.
- Next, scoop goat cheese (maybe a teaspoon or so?) into the center of each date, and close each one back up. The cheese serves as a very delicious glue of sorts.
- With a good knife, cut the entire package of bacon in half, so that each strip of bacon is now half as long. Wrap each date in a half-strip of bacon, and place on your pan, seam-side down.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until well browned.
- Drain on a paper towel, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Sometimes a little bite of goodness makes for a very thankful heart. Go on, be grateful!
