This is easily the simplest and most addictive, coronary infarction inducing appetizer you could ever make. Got that in-law you need to bump off...just feed 'em a bunch of these little suckers. Just kidding. Don't do that. Also don't share this recipe with your cardiologist.
1 pile of dates (preferably fresh ones from a tub because the bulk ones often come with yucky things we won't discuss in the middles)
1 lb of thick bacon (or more)
1/2 lb of hot Italian sausage, the crumbly raw kind, not salami, or any of the other fine Italian cured meats (if its in links just slice them open)
brown sugar
a box of toothpicks
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Cover a cookie sheet with foil. You will thank me later when it is time to wash it!
Cut the package of bacon in half vertically so all the slices are half the length they used to be. Put a cup or so of brown sugar in a dish.
If you were lucky enough to find Medjool dates, you win because those are the best. Take each of the dates, and slice each it open down the side removing the pit if it is still in there. Stuff each date with a small lump of sausage. It is ok if the date is kind of smiling at you and the sides aren't touching. Extra sausage is a good thing.
Wrap the bacon around the date and secure with a toothpick. Don't worry you don't need to soak the toothpicks, they shouldn't burn.
Toss the bacon wrapped dates in the brown sugar and place on the cookie sheet. You don't need to grease it, the bacon will take care of that.
Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes, flipping over 1/2 way through if you want them to brown evenly. Serve warm and try not to eat them all before your guests get a chance to try them.
2 comments:
At a restaurant here in Des Moines, they have a date appetizer made with dates wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with an almond and cheese. It is great.
Sounds awesome Brian. I have another friend who has eaten something similar at a restaurant as well. But I'm telling you, you've got to try them with spicy Italian sausage. It is mind blowing :-D
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