The holidays are quickly approaching. I am never ready. I blame it on the weather. Our weather gives us no hint the season is approaching. I am not complaining, just trying to explain my being out of sync. It was in the upper 80s today so I never think turkey or any of the fall/winter dishes until it is upon us, and then I am scrambling to get ready. But, this year I thought I would be a little more proactive and see if I could come up with a few appetizers to get the holidays going. I wanted them to be easy, but homemade. I was researching appetizers, when I came across Devils On Horseback. What the heck are those? More research….. I see that originally they are bacon-wrapped prunes, but while I like prunes I could not see myself feeding my guest prunes. If they have issues that would be their business…..
After a copious amount of research I found Martha Stewart’s version. Martha used dates. I love dates. I think they are nature’s candy.
Martha stuffed these little devils with Stilton cheese. I decided I would use Feta. I like the saltiness to counterbalance the sweetness of the date.
I feel a little irreverent saying this, but Martha said to wrap them in bacon and cook for 20 to 25 minutes. I was concerned about the bacon grease, and I did not want the cheese to cook that long so I took the liberty of baking the bacon until almost completely done, but still pliable.
I drained it well on paper towels and blotted as well, then wrapped it around the cheese stuffed date. Place them in the oven until heated, took them out of the oven and blotted one more time before I placed them on a serving tray.
So I have one hors d’oeuvre that is salty, sweet, creamy, and crispy all in one appetizer. Since I still have a couple weeks, back to my research to see what else I can make.
A word of caution, these Devils on Horseback are good warm, but be careful of the hot cheese.
- 24 large dates, pitted
- 12 slices bacon, halved crosswise
- ⅓ cup cubed Feta or Stilton cheese
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- On parchment precook the bacon until done, but still pliable. Time depends on the thickness.
- Place 24 toothpicks in a small bowl filled with water; let soak 15 minutes.
- Make a slit in the dates lengthwise; remove the seed. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff a cube of cheese in the pocket of each date.
- Wrap a piece of the precooked bacon around each date.
- Secure bacon with a toothpick.
- Place dates on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake until bacon is heated through.
- Blot on a paper towel, and then place on a serving try.
I am taking this to
These should be real crowd-pleasers for your holiday get-together. The dates give it a nice twist on a classic.
Sam
Thanks Sam. I don’t eat much bacon, but every once in a while…..
I would love this version, Madonna, because I LOVE dates. The balance of the feta and the bacon would be wonderful with the sweet dates. I look forward to making these soon.
I can’t wait to hear what you have to say about them. When I was younger I did not care much for them, but now I love when it is date season.
These look very festive Madonna. I appreciate all of the tips and research. I had these years ago, but I don’t remember the cheese. Great idea. I too wish I was ready for holiday cooking. You’ve made a great start at it. Looking forward to seeing what else you come up with.
Penny, I just saw a version with water chestnuts I may give them a try. Thanks for stopping by, I love your input.
M.
These are great! I’ve made them before, but not with the cheese. The feta just puts them over the top!! Addictive.
Thanks Mimi. The feta is salty that I think balances the sweetness.
Oh my, Madonna…bacon, dates and cheese…heaven on a stick! I am saving this one. My family will love it! have a great week…hugs…Debbie
I hope your family enjoys them. They really are easy. Thanks for stopping by.
M.
Yum! I make these with a whole almond stuffed into each date. Delicious. The cheese would be great, too. I make them up and put them in the freezer to pull out and bake as needed.
What a great idea Lorrie. I like having things in the freezer that don’t taste like freezer things. 🙂 It makes me feel organized. Thanks for the tip. Oh, and the almonds idea also.
Wow, these sound amazing! I love the combination of sweet/salty flavors – and nice bite-sized portions.
Thank you so much for visiting. I hope you will give them a try.
Dates are my favorite fruit and I love bacon. I am adding these to my holiday list. Thank you for sharing the recipe with Make It Monday.
I am surprised at the positive feedback I’ve had about dates. When I was a kid I did not care for them, but now I think they are just like candy. I hope you enjoy them.
This is one of my all time favorite appetizers. Thanks for reminding me how much I like them, Madonna. The almond in the center sounds delicious.
You are welcome. 🙂
Spectacular appetizer! I haven’t had these for years and years! And it’s been even longer since I’ve made them. I’ve had the prune version, and it’s really good — all the flavor work together. But the dates sound even better. Thanks.
I like prunes, I just was not brave enough to feed them to my guests. These are salty and sweet at the same time. Thanks for stopping by.
You’ll never go wrong with Devils on Horseback (or variations on that theme). Everyone’s always happy to see them on an appetizer buffet table.
Wini, I don’t know where I have been. I am the last to know of them. I guess bacon wrapped anything is popular. Thanks for stopping by. I love your take on food.
Oh, Madonna, these look so good! I love the combination of sweet and salty, and I LOVE dates! Pinning these right now!
I hope you like them Amy. Dates and bacon makes me smile. Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate you.
Yum, I wouldn’t mind these for dinner!
Chris, I ate way too many of these for my own good. I am going to have to find something low-cal to off set my indulgences. Maybe one of your salads.
Hello cute lady! This looks incredible. Pinned. We really appreciate you taking the time to stop by our party. It wouldn’t be a party without you. Please join us on Monday at 7 pm. Happy Saturday! Lou Lou Girls
Nice combo,I like the combo of dates and cheese,nice clicks
Congratulations, Madonna, your recipe for Devils On Horseback is a feature tonight on Make It Monday. Come on over and grab a feature button.
Hi Madona,
Your Devils On Horseback look like a very special appetizer. Hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for sharing this awesome post with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
What a delicious appetizer for the holidays! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Oh my, these are right up my alley! The combination of sweet and salty sounds delish. Pinning and can’t wait to try them! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
I really want to try this recipe for Thanksgiving. Thanks for linking and featuring you tomorrow! Happy Monday!
Yipee! I am a huge feta fan, Stilton cheese not so much and I adore the idea of cooking the bacon a litttle separately, I always do that to insure less grease and more crisp.
Gina, I hope you make it and enjoy it. I am glad you agree about precooking the bacon. It just makes for a nicer outcome. Thank you so much for stopping by.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday.
Madonna