For my Garde Manger class in culinary school, our final project was to set up a holiday buffet. We were broken into teams and our job was to plan a buffet that incorporated everything we learned in the class. The requirements included appetizers, a carving station, terrines and pates, cured meats and other small bites.
Around the time of the holiday buffet project, I had just started a new job. I was stuck trying to figure out what appetizer I wanted to contribute to the buffet, so I decided to pick the brains of the chefs at work.
When I asked Chef Jon about his favorite appetizers, he immediately said, “Devils on Horseback!.” I’d never heard of it before and needed an explanation. The name is used loosely and applies to many different appetizers, but he was referring to dates that are stuffed with something and wrapped in bacon.
For the holiday buffet, I filled the dates with a spicy mango chutney and a piece of Manchego cheese. My chef wasn’t convinced at first, but then he tried one… then another… then another. We were graded both as a group and on our individual contributions, and I happily received high marks on both.
Bacon-wrapped dates may not be the prettiest appetizer, but they are always a hit. They have become a staple and I love making them for parties and events. I switch up the fillings and in this version I have stuffed them with Manchego and slivered almonds. I also like to add a drizzle of chile-infused spicy honey right before serving. Other ideas include filling them with blue cheese, Parmesan, or goat cheese. Nuts are nice because they give some crunch. You could also drizzle them with truffle honey for a luxurious touch. Any kind of spicy chutney works great too.
The bacon-wrapped dates are a great addition to any cocktail party and they pair especially well with wine. I especially enjoy a red blend or a pinot grigio alongside them. I prefer to drink red with the bacon-wrapped dates, but white works too!
