Bacon Wrapped Dates and Pineapple...Tapas

Bacon Wrapped Dates and Pineapple...Tapas This little appetizer, or amouse bouche, can come in rather handy for parties or a small gathering. It can also easily work as a perfect little snack. You will probably find these delectable morsels at any Tapas restaurant. It is very popular with the Spanish cuisine. On our recent trip to Chicago, we had these bacon wrapped dates at a local Tapas restaurant. We really enjoyed them, but all the time I was thinking that I could easily make these at home. Now, you really have to like the sweet/salty combination to like these morsels. But even if you think you don't, you should at least try them once. The dates can be a bit sweet, so the bacon compensates for that. Of course, you also HAVE to like bacon! Otherwise, you might as well just forget the whole thing...but, I am hoping you will like these. You know how it goes, you can put bacon on anything and it makes it all better...most of the time anyway:)!

I used the Medjool kind of dates. They are the bigger, softer kind. I like to go to my local whole foods store and buy just a few....however many I need. I guess you can probably use the smaller kind, but I prefer the Medjool dates. I've made these bacon wrapped dates a couple of times. The first time I stuffed the dates with some Manchego cheese. The second time, I stuffed some with a variety of nuts. I wanted to see and taste the difference. I really enjoyed the nut version. Actually, the ones we had at the Tapas restaurant were just plain. But, me being me, I had to add my own twist. I also made some bacon wrapped pineapple(the fresh kind, not canned) and I was amazed with the result! I mean I LOVED them. If you love pineapple on your pizza, you will probably like these.

When making these, just make sure you overlap the bacon a bit so that it doesn't unravel on you. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon. I got about 3 dates out of one slice of bacon....maybe I was skimpy, but it worked for me. I've also seen these where they overdo the bacon....I mean the dates are really covered in bacon. I just used a bit...even though I love bacon. No need to overwhelm the dates...

Bake them in the oven until crispy and you have a wonderful little appetizer.They really are great for a gathering. I guess you can easily use turkey bacon, if you like.

You will need: dates can be quite sweet, so keep that in mind that when making number of servings

Medjool dates, pitted OR pineapple

bacon

nuts

cheese

Directions:

Stuff your dates with cheese.

Or, stuff them with a variety of nuts.

Wrap bacon around stuffed date and secure with a toothpick. You can also wrap bacon around a piece of pineapple.

I used the fresh kind of pineapple. Place a piece of parchment paper on a rimmed baking sheet. Place skewered bacon wrapped dates/pineapple on baking sheet seam side down. Bake in a 375 deg oven until crispy....this can take from 15-25 minutes, depending on oven and crispiness preference.

I use my toaster oven a lot, so I did mine in the toaster oven. Serve warm.