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.

Oregon Blue Cheese, Honey and Hazelnuts

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.

I love supporting our local farmers, in fact when I travel I make sure that I seek out what's happening in the local area by shopping the farmer's markets. Ask a local or check online to find the nearest farmer's market. Roadside stands are also a great stop to meet some locals, try the regional specialties and boost the economy of the region you're traveling through.

Oregon has some wonderful blue cheese and this recipe really shows off the rich flavor from an award winning blue cheese. We chose hazelnuts because Oregon is one of  the largest producers,  but you can select any nut from your area. Also, be sure and support your local honey.

Oregon Blue Cheese, Honey and Hazelnuts

Prep time: 10 minutes             

Cooking time: 0 minutes

A small wedge of Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue Cheese

2 Tbls. local honey

2 Tbls. toasted* and chopped hazelnuts

1 Tbls. chopped thyme leaves

Place blue cheese on a platter. Drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with hazelnuts and fresh thyme. Serve with sliced baguette or crackers.

*To toast hazelnuts, place in a cast iron skillet on medium heat and shake pan until fragrant and golden brown on all sides. Alternatively you can place them on a rimmed baking sheet and roast at 350° for 5-10 minutes or until golden brown.