This was a traditional Victorian era recipe (and a party favorite of the 1970’s) which used marinated prunes stuffed with spicy chutney, wrapped in bacon, smeared with hot mustard and baked, broiled or grilled until crisp. Dates are a great source of dietary fiber and are one of the best natural sources of potassium (helps maintain a healthy nervous system and to balance the body’s metabolism). A favorite chef of mine, Heston Blumenthal, thinks it’s high time for this favorite canapé from the Abigail’s Party era, to be resurrected. I tend to agree with him!

Makes 24 hors d’oeuvres
recipe from Martha Stewart

24 large dates, pitted
12 slices bacon, halved crosswise
1/3 cup crumbled Stilton cheese

Preheat oven to 200c (400f). Place 24 toothpicks in a small bowl filled with water; let soak 15 minutes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and fit with a wire rack; set aside. Halve dates lengthwise being careful not to cut all the way through. Place a small amount of cheese in the center of each date. Wrap a piece of bacon around each date. Secure bacon with a toothpick. Place dates on prepared baking sheet. Bake until bacon is cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.

The Culinary Chase’s Note: I prepared 12 with bacon and the other 12 with prosciutto. I think the prosciutto helped to cut some of the sweetness from the dates although I did like the flavor from the bacon as well. If you have guests who prefer not to eat bacon, omit bacon and serve these up without cooking them. Very delicious!