A House Favorite: Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese, Black Garlic, and Flash-fried Rosemary
When it comes to holiday gatherings, hosting guests, or bringing a dish to a party, there's one appetizer that we often consider: Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Black Garlic, finished with a touch of Flash-Fried Rosemary. This dish has become a signature of ours, beloved for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, coupled with an irresistible crunch.
A Tradition of Flavor and Versatility
Every time we prepare this dish, we enjoy experimenting with different fillings. Swapping goat cheese with blue cheese, for instance, offers a sharper, more intense flavor profile. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – it's a canvas for culinary creativity.
Choosing the Best Ingredients
For the cheese filling, we always recommend seeking out local, grass-fed options if possible. Not only does this support local artisans and farmers, but the quality of the cheese is often superior, with richer flavors that elevate the dish. The same goes for all ingredients – opting for organic ensures you're getting the best in terms of both taste and health.
The Joy of Home-Grown Rosemary
One of the charms of this appetizer is the flash-fried rosemary. Growing rosemary at home is surprisingly easy and adds a personal touch to the dish. There's something special about using herbs picked fresh from your garden, and rosemary is hardy and low-maintenance, making it an excellent plant for beginners.
The Recipe:
Ingredients
Organic Medjool dates, pitted
Thinly sliced bacon
Local grass-fed goat cheese (or blue cheese for variation)
Organic Black garlic cloves, finely minced
Organic Fresh rosemary sprigs
Organic Olive oil for frying
Preparation
Stuff the Dates: Slice the dates and stuff them with your choice of cheese and a bit of minced black garlic.
Wrap in Bacon: Encase each date in a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the dates at 400°F until the bacon crisps up.
Flash-Fry the Rosemary: Briefly fry rosemary sprigs in olive oil until they’re crisp.
Serve and Enjoy: Present these golden morsels hot, garnished with your home-grown rosemary.
A Dish That Brings People Together
There's a reason this appetizer has become a go-to for us during the holidays and for gatherings. It's not just the explosion of flavors that makes it a crowd-pleaser, but also the warmth and joy it brings to the table. It's a dish that sparks conversation, brings smiles, and often, requests for the recipe.
Conclusion
As you prepare for your next gathering or consider what to bring to a potluck, remember that the best dishes are those made with love, creativity, and care. Our bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese and black garlic, accented with rosemary, are more than just an appetizer; they're a celebration of good food and good company. This savory dish does not disappoint. Enjoy!