Dec 29, 2013, Updated Nov 27, 2023 My beautiful rittle seester is visiting from across Canada with her hubby, which has been my primary distraction. With the whole country between us, I don’t get to spend nearly enough time with that radiant smile. Theo is pretty smitten with his auntie and uncle, too, can’t you tell? With the blur of the holiday busy-ness, I find it handy to have some quick and easy appys to whip up on a moment’s notice for guests. I keep a nice box of crackers on hand – specifically these ones – along with a couple of yummy, but not-too-fancy cheeses, like a basic creamy blue or goat’s cheese and a smoked cheddar, and a selection of dried fruit (dates, apricots, figs) and nuts (almonds, pecans, hazelnuts). Easy, inexpensive cheese platter at a moment’s notice. However, it’s nice to have something hot to serve, too. I find that anything wrapped in bacon goes over particularly well. Devils on Horseback (aka bacon-wrapped blue cheese-stuffed dates) are always a hit. And I often make variations with whatever I have on hand – subbing goat’s cheese or even feta when I don’t have blue in the fridge, or using soft apricots or even halved prunes instead of dates. The classic salty-sweet combo is supremely addictive – I guarantee there will be arm-wrestles for the last one. Wishing everyone a great time ringing in 2014. Chances are high that I won’t make it to midnight (see exhibit A below), so have an extra glass of bubbly for me! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Other Festive Appetizers to Try Here are some of my other favorite holiday party nibbles!
Mini Mozzarella Sticks with Dip Goat Cheese Appetizer with Pomegranate and Pistachios Baked Herbed Goat Cheese Fritters Easy Chicken Liver Pate Baked Puff Pastry Brie Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs Boom Boom Shrimp
Ingredients
3 oz/100 g blue cheese 20 large medjool dates, sliced open lengthwise (but not cut through), stones removed 10 slices bacon (I typically use thin-sliced bacon from the butcher or deli section – but thicker bacon is just fine, with a few minutes longer cooking time) Toothpicks
Preparation
