Bacon Wrapped Dates With Chorizo And Manchego Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet tray with silicone baking mat or parchment.
• Make an incision on one side of each date and insert a block of chorizo. Squeeze the date shut in your hand to secure. Wrap each date with a bacon strip and secure with a toothpick. Place all the dates on the prepared sheet tray. Roast the dates in the oven until the bacon on top is starting to crisp, 5 to 6 minutes. Turn the dates over and repeat the process.
• Remove the dates from the oven and brush both sides with the maple syrup. Return the dates to the oven until the dates are really crackly and sticky, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve hot.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Make an incision on one side of each date and insert a block of Manchego. Squeeze the date shut in your hand to secure. Wrap each date with a bacon strip and secure with a toothpick. Place all the dates on a sheet tray lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Roast the dates in the oven until the bacon on top is starting to crisp, 5 to 6 minutes. Turn the dates over and cook the other side until the bacon crisps.
• Remove the dates from the oven and brush both sides with maple syrup. Return the dates to the oven until they are really crackly and sticky, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve hot.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
• Make an incision on one side of each date and insert a block of chorizo. Squeeze the date shut in your hand to secure. Wrap each date with a bacon strip and secure with a toothpick. Place all the dates on the prepared baking sheet on their sides. Roast the dates in the oven until the bacon on top is starting to crisp, 5 to 6 minutes. Turn the dates over and repeat the process, baking until the bacon is almost completely cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes more.
• Remove the dates from the oven and brush both sides with the maple syrup. Return the dates to the oven until the dates are really crackly and sticky, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve warm.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange the bacon slices side by side on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until browned and crisp, 15 to 18 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
• Meanwhile, make the pistachio cream: Combine the pistachios, red pepper flakes, garlic, lemon juice and spinach in a food processor and pulse until chopped; with the motor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper and process 5 more seconds. Pour the mixture into a bowl and whisk in the crema; set aside.
• Assemble the quesadillas: On 1 half of each tortilla, layer 1/2 cup cheese, 3 slices bacon and a few date slices. Fold the tortillas in half to cover the filling. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 quesadillas and cook until golden on both sides and gooey in the middle, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining 2 quesadillas, adding the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan.
• Cut each quesadilla into 4 triangles; serve with the pistachio cream.
• Photography by Johnny Miller

Steps:

• For the sauce: Place a heavy-bottomed saucepot over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add a film of olive oil followed by the garlic and shallots with a large pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and become aromatic, about 3 minutes. Then add the piquillo peppers and tomatoes. Stir until everything is combined and bring the mixture up to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until all the flavors combine and the sauce reduces slightly, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and add the sherry vinegar. After 30 minutes, puree the sauce until smooth if you prefer (see Cook's Note) or leave a little bit chunky.
• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• While the sauce is cooking, prepare the dates: Make a slit down one side of each date. Stuff the date with the chorizo and then close the incision. Wrap with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick where the seams meet. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake until the bacon on one side is crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and remove the picks.
• Pour the red pepper sauce into a shallow baking dish and arrange the dates on top, soggy-side up. Place back in the oven, uncovered, until the bacon on top is crisp, another 10 minutes or so. Remove from the oven and serve the crispy dates with some sauce spooned around and on top.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Stuff each date with 1 to 2 almonds. Wrap each date with half a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
• Bake, turning the dates halfway through so the bacon is evenly cooked, 15 to 18 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.