Whatever happened to dates? Not dating, although many of us might agree that dating is also on the brink of extinction. Instead, I’m referring to the small, round fruit that my grandmother used to bake in all kinds of deserts and cookies. She used to make date cookies every Christmas using sharp cheddar cheese and pecan halves. The cheesy mixture in combination with the sweetness of the dates were enough to knock the black boots off of Santa’s feet. Unfortunately, rare is the occasion when one stumbles across a date on the h’or derve table. (Again, I’ll remind you that I’m talking about a fruit, not a person.)
So, in my attempt to bring back the long-forgotten date, I did a little research and found what I believe to be the best date recipe EVER. You might also be interested to learn that the date fruit comes from the palm plant, making it the perfect ingredient for your Lenten Season celebrations.
Here is the recipe that is so amazingly simple and wonderfully delicious that it has to be Southern:
Dates Stuffed with Blue Cheese and Wrapped in Bacon:
1 pk. dried, pitted dates
1 pk. blue cheese
1 pk. bacon, cut in half
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cut dates along one side, stuff with blue cheese and wrap with half a piece of bacon. Arrange pieces on cookie sheet and cook for 25 minutes.
Enjoy!
Kimberley Gardner Graham lives in Memphis, TN with her adoring hubby and three precious children. She is a writer, artist, and aspiring rollerblader. You can contact her via email at creative@thecarrotvine.com
We had a similar recipe for dates:
ReplyDeletestuff with cream cheese and then a pecan half
Broil for a few minutes and serve warm. Yum!
We southerners love our pecans!!
~ Maylinda Detweiler
Wow, Maylinda! That sounds fantastic! I’ll have to try that next. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThese are absolutely delicious!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I ate 5 between us.....mmmmm.
Do you have a recipe for those cookies, Kimberley???
ReplyDeleteKimberly, I second Shannon's request. i even tried to email you but it wouldn't go thru. Thanks! rose
ReplyDeleteHi, ladies. I’m so sorry that I can’t get to my grandmother’s recipe right away, but here is the recipe that my neighbor uses and it is tried, tested, and DIVINE. Thanks, Sally, for sharing. I think I’m going to serve these on Easter Sunday.
ReplyDeleteParty Cheese Cookies:
2 lbs. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 c. butter
3 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. red pepper
6 tbsp. water
1 ½ c. pecans, chopped and lightly toasted
12 to 16 oz. bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 ½ c. chopped dates
Mix cheese with softened butter (use hands). Sift dry ingredients and add to cheese and butter mixture. Add water and mix well. Mix in pecans and bacon. Add dates. Shape into about half dollar size biscuits. Bake in 375 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly browned.