Bacon-wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

The bacon fat turns crispy and releases its salt onto the tender, sweet date. The warm goat cheese center provides a creamy finish that coats the palate.

• Prep time: 15 min
• Cook time: 15 min
• Difficulty: Easy
• Calories: 286
• Protein: 13 g
• Carbs: 15 g
• Fat: 19 g

Ingredients

• 12 piece Date ( pitted )
• 100 g Log-shaped goat cheese ( in sticks )
• 200 g Smoked cured pork belly ( thin slices )
• 1 pinch Black pepper ground ( for seasoning )
• 12 piece Wooden skewers ( for holding )

Instructions

1. Fruit preparation

   Slit the dates lengthwise to remove the pit. Be careful not to separate the two halves to keep a pocket.

2. Stuffing the center

   Cut the goat cheese into small sticks. Insert a piece of cheese inside each date. Press lightly to close.

3. Wrapping with bacon

   Cut the pork belly slices in half. Wrap each date tightly in a half-slice. Secure everything with a wooden toothpick.

4. Roasting

   Bake at 200°C on a tray. Turn halfway through. The bacon should be golden, the fat well rendered and the texture crispy.

Chef's tips

• Do not add salt, the bacon and cheese provide enough.
• If the bacon browns too quickly, lower the oven to 180°C to give the cheese time to melt.

Storage

Keeps for 2 days in the fridge. Reheat for 5 minutes in a hot oven to restore crispiness.