More Culinary Adventures

My contribution to the Thanksgiving meal this year was parmesan stuffed dates wrapped in bacon. I know that sounds like a strange combo at first but let me tell you, they were a big hit. I first tried these at a restaurant called AOC a few years ago and they were quite the novelty. Now it seems wherever you turn there's someone suggesting them as an appetizer. In one week I heard them discussed on Martha Stewart radio and Dave Leiberman's show on Food Network.

They couldn't be easier to prepare and make a great holiday starter. Everybody loves bacon and they only take ten minutes to cook! I used parmesan but I've seen recipes where blue cheese, ricotta or even an almond is stuffed in the date. I think a hard cheese like parmesan or a sheep's milk is easier to work with and doesn't run the risk of melted cheese running out of the date.

Here's how easy it is:

Stuff each pitted date with a small piece of cheese and wrap it in a half a slice of bacon. Place dates on a baking sheet seam side down. (Don't use thick cut bacon since it takes longer to brown.) Bake dates for 5 minutes at 400 degrees, roll them over and bake another 5 minutes until the bacon is crisp. And voila! Feel free to prep them a day ahead of time and just pop in the oven when guests arrive.

Last night I used the rest of the herbs my friend brought back from Italy to make a meat sauce. It turned out just ok, but next time I won't use such lean meat. All I had on hand was 15% ground beef and it was a little too tough/chewy. My mom told me my Italian grandmother used 20% ground chuck for her meatballs so I'll try that next time. I served it over penne with fresh parmesan and Hubbie gobbled it up, but I know I can do better! I've been trying to spice up our meals lately which inspired me to buy ground lamb at the market. I'd love to hear if anyone has any suggestions on what to do with it. I was thinking something along the lines of a greek meat loaf but I'm open to anything.

This weekend the girls and I are going to bottle our homemade limoncello to give as Christmas gifts. You can see how we did it, (and look at drunken photos of my friends,) here. Limoncello is delicious mixed with sparkling wine, club soda or just on it's own over ice. If you'd like to make your own, click here.

I have to say I'm harboring some disappointment that I'm spending another holiday season in our tiny apartment. Last year I was convinced we'd be in a home by now, and here we are, hanging a wreath on the crappy metal gate that serves as our front door. No room for a tree, no space for a party, no fireplace or mantle. *SIGH* Not to mention it's getting really old eating dinner hunched over the coffee table. It's getting even older trying to maneuver in our tiny bathroom. If it's just me and the cat in there it's too crowded. So, I'll end this post with a positive affirmation that I WILL be in a home next year, even if it means we're moving in with one of you!