I believe that every once in a while, we have an unexpected or fortuitous meeting, either with someone we know or with a complete stranger, that brightens our day. It just so happened that on the Family Day long weekend, I had one of those fortuitous meetings. I had two dear friends visiting from out of town and we made a stop at Granville Island to walk around, and of course to eat. One of my absolute favourite merchants for charcuterie ingredients is Oyama Sausage Co (@oyamasausage on social media) in the Granville Island Market. The selection of artisanal and quality pâtés, sausages, cured meats (try their finocchiona salami) and cheeses at Oyama is amazing. Because of the quality and reputation of Oyama Sausage Co’s products, there is usually a bit of a queue. While I was waiting for my number to be called, I happened to start talking with another customer. She happened to also be a foodie, and we started to chat about recipes. This recipe for Bacon Wrapped Chorizo Stuffed Dates is an adaptation of her idea. I didn’t ask her name, but I would like to say “thank-you”, as this is one heck of an appetizer!
The key to the rich, yet balanced flavour of this appetizer is Spanish Chorizo (from Oyama of course!). Spanish Chorizo is a dried and cured sausage, not to be confused with Mexican Chorizo, which is raw meat in a casing. Spanish Chorizo is usually found near the pre-cooked and ready-to-eat salamis and cured meats. Spanish Chorizo comes in smoked or non-smoked, sweet or spicy options and is often found in tapas and paella dishes.
There is a lot of decadence in the Bacon Wrapped Dates, so I decided to add a bit of freshness to the appetizer with a finishing drizzle of thyme infused honey. I think the dates really needed a hint of herbs. Feel free to garnish with additional thyme to add a bit more “greenery” to the plate.
This appetizer is best with Medjool dates. They are bigger, plumper and will hold more filling. I usually have a package in my cupboard from my Palm Springs travels. If worse comes to worse, use Deglet Noor dates - they are not as soft, but will still work in a pinch.
I hope you enjoy my Bacon Wrapped Chorizo Stuffed Dates with Thyme Honey as much as we did. I couldn’t have asked for a more fortuitous Family Day weekend – kindness from a stranger, a visit from dear friends and wonderful new recipes shared.
Take care,
Krista
P.S. If you are not from Vancouver or are not familiar with Granville Island, it is a Vancouver “must-see”. It is a large food hall with fresh produce, baking, meat, flowers, theatres, shopping, two distilleries (spirits & sake) and live entertainment nestled along the False Creek waterfront.
Bacon Wrapped Chorizo Stuffed Dates with Thyme Infused Honey
Makes 10 dates (recipe can easily be doubled)
Ingredients
10 Medjool dates, centre sliced and pitted
1 stick (usually 10-12” long) of Spicy (I used medium heat) Spanish Chorizo, diced small*
5 slices of applewood smoked bacon, cut in half (10 pieces in total)
1 tablespoon clover honey, good quality
2 sprigs of thyme + 1 tsp leaves for garnish
Fresh cracked black pepper, garnish
*10 toothpicks
Method
Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Stuff each date with 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of diced chorizo (quantity of chorizo will depend on the size of the dates). Take a slice of bacon and wrap around the stuffed date, securing ends in place with a toothpick. Place date onto baking sheet.
Repeat steps with other dates.
Bake in heated oven for 15-18 minutes or until bacon is cooked and crispy.
While dates are baking, add thyme sprigs and honey into a microwave safe dish. Heat on medium heat for 30 seconds, then stir. You want to loosen up the honey for drizzling. Allow thyme and honey to steep until you are ready to use. Remove thyme sprigs.
Once dates are cooked, drizzle with steeped honey (if it has thickened, heat for 10 seconds) and garnish with fresh thyme leaves and cracked black pepper.
Recipe Notes:
*Spanish Chorizo can be quite spicy. Alter the spice level (there are often sweet & mild options available) according to your taste preferences. Remember the sweetness from the date and honey will reduce the heat as well.
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