Devils on Horseback

I made this recipe a few years ago for Thanksgiving, and it’s kind of become a tradition. Every family get-together my mom hosts (and she hosts A TON!) she always asks me to bring the “bacon appetizer everyone loves”. AKA: Devils on Horseback.

I was first introduced to this appetizer about 5 years ago at a popular Columbus restaurant called The Pearl. When the appetizer was suggested I was hesitant, as most people are when they learn the main ingredient is a date. Dates kind of freak people out, but I can PROMISE you, you will fall in love with this super simple, crowd pleasing dish.

This is perfect for the holidays or for a football Saturday with the family.

Enjoy!

DEVILS ON HORSEBACK

prep time: 20 minutes
cook time: 30-40 minutes (depending on your oven)
total time: 50 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 20 wooden toothpicks (soaked in water)
• 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 20 pitted dates, if they are large cut them in half
• 20 sea salted almonds
• 20 slices of bacon, cut in half (I like Hickory Smoked thick sliced)

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. Preheat oven to 400° Soak the toothpicks in a bowl of water so they don’t burn
2. Grease a baking dish with cooking spray
3. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, ground ginger and brown sugar
4. Stuff the pitted date it with an almond
5. Wrap the date with bacon slice, secure it with a toothpick
6. Dip the date in soy sauce and brown sugar mixture
7. Place the dates into the prepared baking dish
8. Bake until bacon is crisp, about 30-40 minutes depending on your oven
9. Serve warm