Crispy Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
Diane Rossen Worthington

 

Crispy Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates

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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates: A Spanish take on rumaki

Rumaki, bacon-wrapped bites of chicken liver and water chestnuts, is a classic appetizer. This tasty twist on rumaki wraps apple-cured bacon around a sweet date stuffed with Parmesan cheese. A Spanish-style nibble, this is a terrific pick-up appetizer served with cocktails. Make sure to have cocktail napkins at hand for your guests.

Sweet, smoky and salty, these little brown nuggets are a crowd pleaser. You can make them up ahead and just cook them right before serving. Choose Medjool dates, which have a velvety-soft texture and are one of the sweetest varieties. To make small shards of Parmesan cheese, use a sharp knife and cut off from the whole hunk of cheese

Sometimes I serve these along with a glass of Cava or Prosecco before dinner. The contrasting flavors here pair beautifully with sparkling wine or cocktails. Present these on a tray and watch how fast they disappear. Make sure to serve them hot from the oven while the cheese is still warm.

Crispy Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates

Serves 6 to 8: makes 18 pieces

6 slices apple-cured bacon, each piece cut into thirds

18 large dates, pitted with a slit to insert the cheese

18 1-inch by 1/4-inch pieces Parmesan cheese

1 medium bunch parsley, for garnish

1. Preheat the oven to 450 F. Place the dates on a baking sheet and insert the cheese into the slit of each date. Wrap a piece of bacon around each stuffed date and secure with a toothpick.

2. Bake for about 5 minutes or until the bacon on top seems crisp. Turn the dates over with tongs and bake another 5 minutes or until the bacon is crisp. Using tongs transfer the date to a double layer of paper towels to drain. Place the parsley bunch in the center of a round serving platter and arrange the dates in a circular pattern around the parsley. Serve immediately.

Advance Preparation: May be prepared up 1 day ahead through step 1, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before roasting.

Cook's notes:

-- Multiply this recipe for a large cocktail party.

-- Use these dates on top of mixed greens dressed with favorite vinaigrette for an unusual first course.

-- Try different cheeses, such as Dry Sonoma Jack or Pecorino Toscana.

Classic Appetizer Recipe, Spanish Cuisine

 

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