| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 24g | 8g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 3g | 12g | 0.9g |
One recipe that effortlessly marries delicately sweet and tantalizingly savory is Bacon-Wrapped Dates. This delightful creation, simple as it may seem, carries a whirlwind of flavors capable of captivating your senses from the first bite. Not only is it a testament to the power of flavor combinations, but it’s also a delightful expression of my love for ingredients that reflect my dual heritage.
An Ode to Fusion Cuisine
Bacon-Wrapped Dates remind me greatly of traditional Japanese Sakuramochi, where sweet is anchored by savory. While the ingredients differ significantly, the fusion created is much alike, simple and delicate, yet boldly flavorful. As for pairing, this dish beautifully complements lighter seafood mains, such as a pan-seared halibut, mirroring my own recipe preferences shaped by my Pacific Northwest upbringing and frequent stays in Japan.
Wholesome Goodness
The balanced blend of ingredients not only promises a gastronomic adventure but also brings along a plethora of health benefits. Dates, the dessert’s star ingredient, are well-known for their rich fiber content and natural sweetness, helping to keep blood sugar levels in check. The integral bacon brings a generous share of protein, while olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fats, contributes to heart health. And let’s not forget, the goat cheese—a great source of calcium and good fats.
For those health enthusiasts and gourmets out there, this recipe offers a guilt-free way to enjoy a potent blend of flavors. From sweet to salty to creamy—wrapped in a bite-sized morsel—it’s a culinary ode to the vibrant, contrasting beauty of fusion cuisine.
Just like my journey from Seattle to Japan, one might not imagine how perfectly these ingredients would fit together until creating this recipe. But once you experience this delicious harmony of flavors, it can be quite a revelation. And just like the captivating landscapes and unique cultures of both my homes, this recipe offers a special surprise waiting to be discovered with each bite.
What You’ll Need
- 24 pitted dates
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 4 ounces of goat cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Toothpicks for securing the bacon
Method
Step One
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover a baking tray with aluminum foil to ensure easy cleaning.
Step Two
Next, slice each date down the center, ensuring not to cut all the way through. The dates should open like a small book exposing the area where the pit was removed.
Step Three
Take your goat cheese and carefully stuff each date with it. Make sure to not overstuff as the cheese will melt and potentially spill out in the oven.
Step Four
Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon. You want to wrap the bacon around the date in such a way that it covers the cheese stuffed area well. This will help prevent the cheese from spilling out during the baking process.
Step Five
Place a toothpick through the center of each bacon wrapped date. This will secure the bacon to the date and ensure it doesn’t unravel during the baking process.
Step Six
Place each bacon-wrapped date on your prepared baking tray and lightly brush each one with olive oil.
Step Seven
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the bacon is crisp. Make sure to turn them over halfway through the baking process to ensure even crisping of the bacon.
Step Eight
Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. These treats are best enjoyed warm, but be careful as the cheese inside can be hot. Enjoy as a tasty appetizer or snack.
