1. Buy Medjool dates, remove the pits.
2. Stuff each date with a square--or stick--of real Parmesan (1- by 1/4 inch)
3. Wrap each date with 1/3 a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 450 degrees for 5 minutes, then turn with tongs and bake 5 to 6 minutes more (until the bacon is crispy).
5. Serve to your very happy guests.
Comments (9)
I've done this before using almonds in place of the parmesan - very tasty indeed!
Posted by Amanda | September 12, 2007 5:10 PM
I think I love you now!!! My next dinner party? This will so be on the table!
Posted by John | September 12, 2007 9:38 PM
My mother used to make these every Christmas as an appetizer (almond version, and grilled, not baked). I suspect she made them because it's the kind of stuff kids hate but adults love (thus stopping us from devouring and then not eating anything else). Your post has brought a fond memory of those days...
Posted by Mar | September 13, 2007 4:18 AM
anything wrapped in bacon makes me happy. hell, bacon wrapped in bacon...heartstopping.
Posted by pinknest | September 13, 2007 9:24 AM
Can't wait to try it.
Posted by Mo | September 13, 2007 11:14 AM
Great cocktail party snack idea, I'll have to try it. Another thing to do is take dried figs, hollow them out, put a mixture of bleu cheese (great hill) and candied toasted walnuts inside, then wrap in proscuitto. Heat in a 350 oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Posted by Jamie | September 13, 2007 3:12 PM
I do something similar with mushrooms and parma ham. Wrap up a mushroom with the parma, and bung it onto a skewer. Put a bay leaf (or sage) on, then another wrapped mushroom. Brush with EVO, salt, pepper, and grill for a bit.
Posted by Matt Wright | September 13, 2007 7:27 PM
You know that this is based on a classic 70's appetizer called Devil's on Horseback? Except the classic version involves blue cheese, dates and bacon. Don't know about the devils, or the horses, though.
Posted by Mercedes | September 13, 2007 9:30 PM
I use manchego cheese instead of the parmesan and then put a little good quality chipotle barbecue sauce on the outside (if I'm grilling) just before I remove from grill. It is also nice to roast a jalapeno, cut a thin slive, and put it in with the cheese to add a little bit to the sweetness of the date.
By the way, I'm a newbie to this site and it is great!
Posted by MiddleAgedCrazy | September 14, 2007 1:30 PM