I’ve been known to read recipes for fun (hey, sometimes the techniques are interesting!), and I’ve certainly done more than my fair share of dogearing/highlighting/tearing out dishes I “must make,” only to relegate them to a Pinterest board or file folder and never touch again.
But while reading Shauna Niequist’s Bread and Wine, I found her Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe, and I was hooked. Instantly. I’m a sucker for salty-savory-sweet dishes, and at just three ingredients, it seemed too simple to pass up. And it is.
You’ve got to try it. Even if you don’t have any potlucks or parties in the near (or way, way distant) future. Make one up. Whip up a batch for your next “OMG, they have Dexter on Netflix now?!” binge-watch. Try ’em out to feel accomplished on an otherwise unproductive afternoon. It’s worthwhile.
Shauna makes hers in the oven, and for the most consistently delicious results, that’s the way to go. However, the recipe can easily be adapted for the microwave if you’re stuck in the dorm (or very short on time).
If microwaving: Heat 3-5 dates on a microwave-safe plate for about 1 minute, or until the bacon is fully cooked (AKA no longer slimy and translucent, but a dark, rosy pink). Fair warning: You may want to test a few in 20-second microwaving intervals, since if you cook ’em too long, you risk scorching the goat cheese (boo!). Let them cool for a few minutes on a plate lined with paper towels, just to absorb any excess grease and ensure you don’t burn your tongue.
If using an oven: See recipe below.
You’ll need: a teaspoon, paring knife (or a sharp steak knife), cutting board, baking sheet WITH edges so grease doesn’t drip (tip: line with parchment paper to minimize cleanup!), oven mitts, plate, paper towels
- 1 package pitted dates
- 1 log of goat cheese (any flavor works; 4 ounces)
- 1 package low-sodium bacon (thick cut if possible)
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Slice each date lengthwise, so it opens like a book, and stuff them with goat cheese.
- Slice each piece of bacon into stubby thirds and wrap a piece around the stuffed date. Place each one on a baking sheet, seam side down. (That way it won't unravel during the cooking process.) Make sure you use a baking sheet with a lip around it, so that bacon grease doesn't drip off the sheet and onto the oven.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked and is no longer translucent.
- Place dates on a paper towel-lined plate to cool and absorb excess grease.