Thursday, May 31, 2012

Bacon Wrapped Dates

I know you missed us! Our apologizes for being gone for so long. Lots has happened since our last blog post but now we're back on the wagon. The blog wagon.

Everything is better with bacon. I am addicted to these small delicious salty/sweet treats. Make them as  an appetizer or for dessert!

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 - 30 minutes

Total: 35 - 45 minutes
Serves: About 5

Tools You'll Need:
Baking sheet with sides
Aluminun Foil
Toothpicks


INGREDIENTS

30 pitted dates (Or however many your heart desires)
1 lb of bacon (plan about a pound of bacon with just over a pound of dates)- Uncurred without MSG and other preservatives is best. Pasture raised is also an option. Check your labels!

DIRECTIONS

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

Wrap your dates with bacon. My method is to take a slice of bacon, wrap it around one date until the bacon just overlaps. Take that piece and cut with clean scissors - or you can use a knife - scissors work best though

After cutting your first slice of bacon- use that as a size cheat for the rest of your bacon

Cut the rest of your bacon. I think it goes a lot faster when you cut the bacon and then wrap the dates. Find your own rhythm and stick with it

Use a toothpick to hold the bacon

Line a cookie/baking sheet with foil. You will want to use a cookie sheet with sides. It will get messy with the bacon grease. Or make some sort of foil boat (not necessarily as perfect as the ones pictured- but you get the gist) 

Place each date on your baking sheet- do not let them touch or else they will stick together while baking. Not the worst thing to happen but still a pain!

Bake for around 20 minutes ** - or until the bacon has rendered much of its fat and begins to crisp up

** You may need to flip the dates half way through baking

I think they are a bit better still warm- they are still delicious cool though

Enjoy!!

-- All the best