See Also: Appetizers · Cooking Club
Dates, Bacon and Halloumi
From Dorothy McNett's recipes at www.dorothymcnett.com. Change the proportions as needed. I find that 1 nice long strip of bacon can be cut into 3 pieces, but that can vary from slice to slice! These are also great party food as they can be made a few hours in advance.
12 dried dates (or dried apricots)
1/2 cup white wine or brandy for soaking
4 slices best quality uncured bacon
1 pkg. Halloumi cheese
quince jam or other preserves of choice
Soak the dates in the wine or brandy for about 30 minutes. Drain and pat the dates dry. Cut the bacon into 3 slices, or large enough to roll around 1 date completely. Roll each date and secure with a wooden toothpick. Place seam side down in a heavy bottomed saute or fry pan. Cook over medium high heat to brown the bacon nicely, turning as necessary. Remove to a paper lined baking sheet to drain and to cool. Slice the halloumi cheese. Heat a skillet and add the slices of cheese. Cook on one side for about 1 minutes, turn and brown the second side. Arrange cheese slices and bacon pieces on a platter, dolloping a bit of the jam onto each slice of cheese.
Hint: It is easier to cook the bacon wrapped dates in a microwave. Just be careful not to overcook them as the sweetness of the date or apricot tends to "overcook" quickly. I like to place about 10-12 bacon wrapped dates on a paper towel lined Pyrex or other heat safe glass or ceramic round baking dish. Place with seam side down, no need to use toothpicks. Cover with another piece of paper towel. Cook 2 minutes. Take a peek, and if bacon is not browned and getting crispy, cook another 1-2 minutes. Cool and serve.
Recipe created 2011-08-22.
