Currently, I’m sitting (well, standing cause it’s NYC) in one of my favorite cafes in Manhattan drinking a “mint kiss latte,” which is just as heavenly as it sounds and catching my breath before I’m off to lunch with one of my dearest girlfriends.
It’s been an amazing day…
Those of you who’ve been around here for a little while know I’m a previous New Yorker and will always be one at heart, but now my family and I reside in Charleston. One of the most common questions I get asked the most aside from “do you miss it,” is “what do you miss the most?” Plain and simple I miss my friends. I miss my bff.
Charleston is my new Home and here I have new friends and have begun to build fast friendships with some of the most amazing people I know. I also know those friendships will likely grow over time and sometimes be tested, but my NYC friends already have that rich history.
My girlfriends here are just like family and we’ve reached a place past stoicism where we happily tell each other “I love you,” and walls have be removed. Everyone knows New York is a tough city and when you’re young and far from home your friends here become your family.
Just as most rich friendships do too. This city forces those relationships to a deeper level fast because not only are you likely far from family but you’re also likely facing struggles here only your New York friends can understand.
This morning I was so fortunate to grab coffee down in TriBeCa with two of my dearest friends and it was so good. It’s been one of those heart-warming days where I get all sentimental and realize how greatful I am for my friendships.
Food and friendships go together. It’s over the table or glass of wine that both old and new friendships become richer and that’s exactly how this recipe for Bacon Wrapped Maple Glazed Dates come to exist.
A girls night, which I now consider “mom’s night off,” was scheduled on my calendar with some new girlfriends in Charleston and we decided to bring tapas to share. Me being me, I wanted to get creative, but not too creative.
Tasty but easy to prepare. As I was thinking about what I should make one of my very last dinners in Manhattan, a going away dinner of sorts, came to mind. That dinner was the ending of an era and my girlfriend and I shared bacon wrapped dates that evening as well as amazing memories and many other apps.
Since a new era was beginning with my new found friends and thought this Maple Glazed version of the bacon wrapped dates would be a good option to bring and I’m so glad I did because I may have just found a new friend in an appetizer! That’s weird right? Please don’t answer. This is what happens when I try to get sentimental, I just get weird. Just make them for yourself.
Bacon Wrapped Maple Glazed Dates
Ingredients
Dates
- 10 slices Bacon
- 20 Dates pitted
- 4 ounces Goat Cheese room temp
Maple Glaze
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Using a spoon find the opening on the date and fill each one with goat cheese.
- Cut the bacon in half and wrap each date with the half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Arrange each date evenly on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 18 minutes. Remove the sheet from the oven at 10 minutes and tip the toothpicks to the other side and continue to cook for the final 8 minutes.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in the brown sugar and maple syrup and continue to simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the maple glaze over the cooked dates and place back into the oven for an additional 3 minutes.
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