Cooking through Bread and Wine - bacon-wrapped dates

I'd like to start by saying, this is the fanciest appetizer I've ever made. Just saying that you made bacon-wrapped dates filled with goat cheese sounds like you are off to party with the rich and famous. Not only does it sound fancy, but this is such a delicious and filling appetizer. Yummmm. The date gives a sweet kick and pairs perfectly with the soft flavorful goat cheese. And the bacon, well c'mon, it's bacon! What isn't good wrapped in bacon? Super easy to make and they don't have to be served straight out of the oven - even better.

I brought this fun starter to a dinner party with some of our dearest friends in NYC. My oven wouldn't shut so I actually had to cook upon arrival - but we had plenty of wine to hold us over while the guys created their own of version ping pong which involved a glass vase (ek!). The best part of the meal that night, though, was Meghan's homemade risotto! I took notes since a risotto is on my cooking list and I think it is the recipe I'm most nervous about because you have to get everything just right and it takes constant stirring!

I just love nights like these when friends really start to become your family, you begin to know each other's stories so well that you can finish their sentences and you enjoy gulping up new knowledge with each conversation.

Here's to fancy appetizers and nights filled with laughter and good conversation...and to many more flavorful nights with Meghan + Scott and Drea + Robby.

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Recipe from Shauna Niequest - Bread and Wine
bacon-wrapped dates 
ingredients
1 8-ounce package pitted dates
4 ounces goat cheese
1 16-ounce package bacon

instructions
Slice alongside one side of each date, from the top to the bottom, so you can open it like a tiny book. Scoop a small amount of goat cheese into the center of each one, and then close it back up.
Cut the whole package of bacon in half, so that each long strip is now half as long. Wrap a half-slice of bacon around the outside of each date.
Arrange seam side down in a baking dish or on a baking sheet with sides to catch any grease. A foil pan is really nice for no cleanup.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, or until well browned and crispy. Drain on a paper towel, and serve warm or at room temperature, but definitely not hot, unless you want to burn the roof of your mouth so badly you don't taste anything for days.

bacon-wrapped dates, risotto and homemade ice cream!

bacon-wrapped dates