Holiday Apps: Devils on Horseback

This is a genius appetizer.
Who doesn't love salty and sweet?

I love Medjool dates and can always find ways to use them, besides just popping them in my mouth or mixing in with my yogurt.

Trader Joe's sells a nice container of plump ones that are as good as any I have found.

This recipe will not work well with regular California dates, because you need big ones that you can split open and stuff.

These little beauties are known as "Devils on Horseback", the origin dating back to the Normans, some story about the cavalry men wrapping themselves in bacon...............makes no sense to me.

You can stuff the dates with brie or gorgonzola, but I find that is too rich for me, so I chose small pieces of good Parmigiano Reggiano.

Wrap in some nice smoked slab bacon (like the Normans) and the perfect holiday appetizer is born.

Here's how:

Split the Medjool dates down the center, making a pocket, and remove the pit.

Stuff a small piece of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese in the center and close the date back up.

Wrap in a slice of bacon cut to fit the size of the date and seal tightly.

Place the dates, bacon seam side down on a foil lined baking tray.

Bake at 400F for 15 minutes, bacon should be nice and crisp.

Transfer to a platter and stud with toothpicks.

Let cool 15 minutes before serving, these babies stay nice and hot!

Enjoy!