This is a sweet and sour version of angels on horseback, with figs substituted for the oysters. As figs, in many countries, are associated with the festive season, these make a great New Year’s Eve nibble.
Prep time: 15 minutes/Cook time: 50 minutes/Makes: 24
Ingredients:
24 large Medjool dates, pitted
115g (4 oz) goat’s cheese, crumbled
12 slices of streaky bacon, halved
60ml (1/4 cup) maple syrup (or floral honey)
3/4 tsp crushed chilli flakes
1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
3/4 tsp freshly-ground black pepper
Method:
Pre-heat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and sit a wire rack on top.Slit half way through the dates on one side (you want to be able to open them to stuff with the cheese, but be careful not to cut all the way through.
Place a small amount of the crumbled goat’s cheese in the centre of each date. Stretch the bacon with the back of a knife then wrap around the date to hold the cheese inside.
Arrange the dates, seam side downwards, on the prepared baking tray. Transfer to your pre-heated oven and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the fat begins to render from the bacon.
In the meantime, beat together the maple syrup, chilli flakes, rosemary and black pepper in a small bowl. Brush each date with this mixture and continue cooking for 15 to 20 minutes more.
