Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates - the Mediterranean Has Beaches Too

While I joke about this being a very Mediterranean dish, it is not uncommon to see the same flavor palate in many Latin and Caribbean cuisines. This is a sweet and savory appetizer that is sure to be a hit. The hint of maple in the bacon pairs nicely with the sweetness of the date while the tang of the goat cheese and warmth of the spices provide a nice contrast. Like many of my recipes this is also a quick fix with a limited number of ingredients.

Ingredients

12 pitted dates

12 slices of thick cut maple smoked bacon

3 ounces of goat cheese

1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin

1 teaspoon of coarse ground black pepper

Preparation

In a small bowl, thoroughly blend the goat cheese, cumin and black pepper. It is important to make sure that the spices are evenly distributed. No one wants a bite that is all cumin or all pepper.

Using a very small spoon or a pipping bag fill each date with the cheese mixture. Tightly wrap each stuffed date with a strip of bacon.

On a cookie sheet broil the wrapped dates for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the bacon has reached your desired crispness.