Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon

Think you can't entertain in a tiny kitchen? 

Check out Chef Sam Reed from Portland's Hop & Vine as he shows me how he makes his addictive Bacon Wrapped Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates in his VERY tiny kitchen.

When in Portland Oregon be sure and stop in at  The Hop & Vine and say "hi" to Sam!

 Ingredients: 

12 Dates Pitted and Scored

1/2 Cup Rogue Oregon Blue Cheese

12 Slices Pepper Bacon

Method:

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375F, lay the bacon out on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. While bacon is cooking fill each date with blue cheese, pinching edges closed to seal. Wrap each date individually with one slice bacon, securing with a toothpick or skewer. The dates can then be grilled, baked, or pan roasted till the bacon is hot and crispy and the cheese is melted. Serve with balsamic vinaigrette. (1 part vinegar, 3 parts oil, salt and pepper to taste)

 Pairing: Delicious with Cardamaro Amaro

Note:  These can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or on a grill.

Bacon Wrapped Almond Stuffed Dates

Note: This is part of the Glamping episode where we featured a cocktail menu. I separated the recipes out individually to provide you with a better search option.

Dates can be stuffed with any number of different ingredients, including different cheeses. I kept this recipe very simple to complement the other menu items adding a nice salty, carmelly sweetness.

If you don't have an oven they can also be made on the grill. However you make them, there just never seems to be enough!

Bacon Wrapped Almond Stuffed Dates

Prep time: 10 minutes             

Cooking time: about 20 minutes

Serves: 4

20 dates, pitted

10 slices of your favorite bacon, cut in half (I like Beeler's nitrate free Pepper Bacon)

20 whole almonds, toasted

Place an almond in each date. Wrap each date with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place on a baking sheet and bake in a 350° oven for about 10 minutes. Turn each date over and continue cooking 10 to 15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. Remove from the oven and let rest. Place on a serving dish and enjoy!

You can also prepare them ahead, store in the freezer and cook off when you want to use them. The cooking time will take a little longer from frozen.