Smoked Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Gorgonzola Cheese

Ingredients

  • 1 package of your favorite bacon (approximately 12 slices of bacon)
  • Dried pitted dates – you will need two dates for every slice of bacon (24)
  • Gorgonzola cheese or another cheese that has a higher melting point. 
  • Favorite BBQ rub to season the bacon (optional, but recommended)
  • Toothpicks  

 

Instructions 

  1. Preheat smoker to 350F (you can also use your oven)
  2. Cut bacon stripes in half
  3. Arrange the bacon strips on a cookie cooling rack. I put the cookie rack on a baking sheet to collect the grease, season the bacon with your favorite BBQ rub
  4. Partially cook bacon in the smoker. Make sure the bacon is still flexible enough to wrap around the dates (approx. 20 min)
  5. While the bacon is in the smoker, stuff the dates with Gorgonzola cheese (approx. 2-3 crumbles each)
  6. Remove bacon from the smoker and let cool enough to handle approximately 5 minutes 
  7. Wrap each date with 1 of the half slices of bacon and secure with a toothpick 
  8. Place wrapped dates on the cookie cooling rack that you cooked the bacon and return to the smoker
  9. Smoke the bacon wrapped dates at 225F for 30-40 minutes until the bacon is crispy 
  10. Enjoy!

 

Spiceology Signature Blends

Check out Spiceology for an amazing selection of spices, rubs etc. 

Scalloped corn

Ingredients 

  • 1 quart frozen corn thawed (4 cups)
  • 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (or another buttery cracker)- coarsely crushed
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Sweet basil
  • 1 tbsp sugar (may be needed depending on the sweetness of the corn)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup shredded extra sharp white cheddar 
  • 1/8th cup whole milk
  • Kosher or Sea Salt and pepper (fresh ground is the best) to taste 

Topping

  • 1/2 sleeve of Ritz crackers coarsely crushed
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Thaw corn prior to starting.
  2. Move the rack toward the top of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter.
  3. Sauté onion until lightly browned. Be careful not to burn.
  4. Whisk the eggs and milk together in a large bowl. Add the corn, 1 sleeve of the coarsely crushed Ritz crackers, 1 cup of the extra sharp cheddar and 1 teaspoon salt. Pour the mixture into the baking dish, use a spatula to make an even layer.
  5. Bake uncovered until the edges are set, but the center is still wet (not set), about 35 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a small dish in the microwave, about 25 seconds. Mix the butter into the remaining 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers until evenly moistened. Sprinkle Pecorino Romano cheese and the buttered crackers over the corn. Continue baking until the top is set and golden brown (the center should puff up), approximately 20 to 25 minutes more. To confirm that it is done, put a toothpick in the center and make sure it comes out clean.  If you find that the center is not done and the crust is already golden brown cover until it’s done to prevent the top from burning.
  6. Remove from the oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
  7. Enjoy!

 


 

Spiceology Signature Blends

Check out Spiceology for an amazing selection of spices, rubs etc.