Spiced Bacon-Wrapped Dates: A Delicious yet Piquant Appetizer
Hey There!
Going to impress your guests with some delicious finger food? Well, these "Devils on Horseback" are just the ticket! This intriguingly named appetizer hails from the British pub scene, and it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
It's a tantalizing blend of savory and sweet, with salty, crunchy bacon and juicy, boozy prunes. These aren't your average prunes; they're soaked in an easy syrup of port wine and sugar, making them unforgettable.
Think the name sounds a bit... well, devilish? You might be right! It's a curious moniker, to say the least. But don't let that put you off. This oddly named delight is easy to prepare, and with our tips, you'll be all set to make it your own.
To start, steep the prunes in the port wine and sugar syrup. You can even do this a day ahead of time to make your life easier on the day. Once they're ready, simply wrap a little piece of uncooked bacon around each prune and secure it with a toothpick. When you're ready to serve, just pop them in a hot oven until the bacon's crisp and the prunes are hot all the way through.
Want to mix things up a bit? Go for it! Try stuffing the prunes with blue cheese or toasted walnuts before wrapping them in bacon.
Looking for more appetizer inspiration? Give our "Chicken Skewers with Dukkah Crust," "Mongolian Beef Kebabs with Chili Jam," or "Sesame Shrimp with Cilantro-Lime Sauce" a try!
- Yield: 30 pieces
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients (5)
- 30 pitted prunes (about 8 ounces)
- 1 cup tawny port
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 10 thin slices smoky bacon, cut crosswise into thirds
- 30 toothpicks, soaked in water for at least 15 minutes
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 500°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
- Combine the prunes, port, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
- Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the port thickens into a loose syrup, about 15 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, for about 10 minutes, then drain the prunes of excess syrup or reserve syrup for other uses.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, then set a cooling rack over the foil.
- Wrap a piece of bacon around each prune and secure with a toothpick. Place the prunes at least 1 inch apart on the cooling rack.
- Bake for 7 minutes, then flip the prunes with tongs and continue to bake until crispy, about 7 to 9 minutes more.
- Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Cool slightly before serving.
FYI: These "devils" have long been a staple of British pubs, but their exact origins remain a bit of a mystery. Some believe they might have evolved from "Angels on Horseback," another popular dish made with oysters wrapped in bacon and sweetened with pepper, lemon, and mustard sauce. Whatever the case may be, one thing's for sure - these tasty morsels are a fun addition to any party!
- To prepare the 'Devils on Horseback', start by soaking 30 prunes in an easy syrup made from 1 cup of tawny port and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
- For a more varied taste, consider stuffing the prunes with blue cheese or toasted walnuts before wrapping them in uncooked bacon.
- Once the prunes are ready, wrap a piece of smoky bacon around each prune and secure it with a soaked toothpick.
- These 'Devils on Horseback' are easily categorized under baking recipes and offer a unique blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, making them an ideal choice for those seeking uncategorized nutrition in their finger food.
