Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Cabrales Cheese


Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Cabrales Cheese

Here is a simple tapas that will pair well with any tasty red or white wine. The exact quantity of dates, bacon and Cabrales (Spanish blue cheese) depends on how many stuffed dates you need. Figure at least two, per person, if pairing with other tapas. You can substitute Monchego for the Cabrales cheese or Serrano ham for the bacon. These tapas are delicious in all these variations.

Medjool Dates, slit open and pit removed
Sliced Bacon , 1/2 slice per date
Cabrales cheese (Spanish blue cheese)

Preheat oven 425 degrees

Stuff the inside of the dates with the Cabrales cheese. Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon. Overlap edges of bacon and secure with toothpick. Line up each on baking sheet with edge side down. Bake in oven for about 8-12 minutes until bacon is golden and crisp. Remove dates from oven and place on paper towel to absorb excess fat. Serve within 5-10 minutes while still warm. I would pair these with the delicious 2007 Bodegas Ateca Garnacha de Fuego. Yum.

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