Queen Cuisine – Bacon-wrapped blue cheese dates

Thanks to everyone who submitted title ideas for my recipe series – although I loved all your ideas, the winner is Heather B. and her suggestion of Queen Cuisine is now the name for my Friday-recipe series. Heather wins six months of menu planning from RelishRelish. I’ll be posting a recipe every Friday, when I’m able. Big disclaimer here: I don’t pretend to be a food expert, but I thought since we all have to eat, it might be a fun way to add some inspiration and ideas to our hives.

And now for today’s recipe – Bacon-wrapped blue cheese dates
I think anything wrapped in bacon can’t be that bad, right? Well these little appetizers are a hit EVERY time I bring them to a gathering or serve them at my house. They are usually one of the first things gone and everyone is hiding their toothpicks so you don’t know how many they really ate.

INGREDIENTS

Dates – I had admittedly never purchased dates before I made this recipe. But I bought a big container at Costco around Christmas time, I wonder if they still have them? Otherwise bulk might be your next best option.

Good bacon – Good bacon probably means something different to everyone. I like the thick, center-cut style bacon. It definitely makes a difference in the taste, so go for the gusto on this ingredient.

Crumbled blue cheese (or Gorgonzola)

Plus you’ll need toothpicks and a baking sheet

DIRECTIONS

1. Slice the date open a little (don’t cut it in half)
2. Stuff date with blue cheese, as much as you like
   
3. Close date and wrap with 1/2 length slice of bacon
4. Secure with toothpick
5. Arrange on baking sheet (make sure it has a rounded edge as the grease from the bacon might run off otherwise)
6. Bake at 375 degrees F until crisp, about 30-40 minutes. You can turn them over about half way through if you want to.
7. After they are done baking, put them on some sheets of paper towel – that helps soak up some of the bacon grease
8. Serve hot, enjoy!

They should look something like this and then it’s not long before. . .

they look like this.

I have heard of variations where you can put an almond sliver inside the date with the blue cheese, this gives a little bit of crunch, but it can be tricky to stick the toothpick through.

I am making these for my husband’s birthday dinner tonight. A little appetizer before we eat blue cheese moose burgers. Yes, I said moose, that story/recipe is for another day. 🙂

Let me know what you think! You might also want to check out the other recipes I’ve shared lately:

• Quinoa salad with arugula, craisins, pistachios, balsamic vinegar
• Tomatoes, Feta, Corn, Cilantro Salad
• My grandma’s roll recipe, plus a time-saving tip (BEWARE – You can’t eat just one)
• Moroccan Chicken with couscous