Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Ingredients:
- 20 pitted dates
- 10 strips of bacon
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the goat cheese, honey, and balsamic vinegar until smooth. This will be the filling for the dates.
3. Cut the bacon strips in half lengthwise so that you have 20 thin strips. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Take a date and fill the cavity with about 1 teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture. Don't overfill the date, or it will be hard to wrap the bacon around it.
5. Wrap a piece of bacon around the date, securing it with a toothpick. Repeat this process until all the dates are filled and wrapped.
6. Sprinkle the bacon wrapped dates with a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. Bake the dates for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through.
8. Remove the dates from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm or at room temperature.
Now that we have the basic recipe down, let's take a closer look at each component and explore how we can enhance and personalize this dish.
Dates:
The date is the star ingredient of this dish. It is sweet, chewy, and full of natural sugars that caramelize when baked, creating a rich, syrupy flavor. When selecting your dates, look for plump, moist fruits with shiny and unbroken skin. You can use any variety of dates that you like, but the Medjool and Deglet Noor are the most commonly used.
Bacon:
Bacon is a classic ingredient that adds a salty, smoky flavor to the dish. You can customize the recipe by using a different type of meat such as prosciutto, pancetta, or even chorizo. If you want to make the dish healthier, you can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon.
Goat Cheese:
Goat cheese has a tangy, earthy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the dates. You can use any type of goat cheese that you like, but the soft, spreadable variety is the most commonly used. You can also mix the goat cheese with other ingredients such as herbs, spices, or nuts to create a unique flavor profile.
Honey and Balsamic Vinegar:
The honey and balsamic vinegar add a touch of sweetness and acidity to the dish, balancing out the salty and savory flavors of the bacon and goat cheese. You can adjust the amount of honey and balsamic vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
Presentation:
To make the dish look more visually appealing, you can arrange the bacon wrapped dates on a platter and garnish it with fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as hot sauce, marinara, or yogurt.
In conclusion, Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese is a versatile, easy-to-make appetizer that can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. It is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, a game night with friends, or a potluck, this dish is a must-try. Try it out today and let us know how it turns out!