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    Home > Appetizers and Beverages > Stuffed Date Appetizer, Wrapped In Bacon

    Stuffed Date Appetizer, Wrapped In Bacon

    Published: Dec 6, 2012 · Modified: Aug 8, 2020 by Lea Ann Brown · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    JaJa Bistro in Littleton serves a stuffed date appetizer that everyone raves over. Sweet dates, filled with a slice of tart apple, wrapped in salty bacon and swimming in a crisp ale broth makes for an out-of-this-world combination. The last time we were there for dinner, and with some gentle prying, I found out a little more about what makes these so addicting.

    This new information found me marching right over to the grocery store, and picking up the few items I needed to create this in my own kitchen. Here’s a pretty close version.

    JaJa Bistro date appetizer recipe.

    Stuffed Date Appetizer, Wrapped in Bacon

    Everyone loves these little sweet and savory bites. 
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer Recipes
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 120kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • 6 whole Medjool dates pitted
    • 1 Granny Smith Apple sliced into chunks
    • 3 slices thick cut bacon cut in half
    • 3 shallots thin sliced
    • 1 clove garlic chopped
    • 1 Tablespoon Butter
    • 1 bottle Woodchuck Hard Cider Crisp
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    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
    • Saute shallots in butter until tender. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add a bottle of Woodchuck Hard Cider Ale, and let simmer until it cooks down. About 15 minutes.
    • Make a slit down the side of each date and remove pit. Slice apples into bite sized chunks and insert a sliver into each date. The slice of apple should be cut just large enough to barely protrude from the end of the date. Cut each slice of bacon in half and wrap around each date. Secure with a couple of toothpicks.
    • In an oven proof serving bowl, place the wrapped dates and bake 5 minutes. Turn and bake another 5 minutes or until bacon looks crispy.
    • Pour some of the hot ale mixture over the figs and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 138mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lannisam or tag #CookingOnTheRanch!

    JaJa Bistro Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates…It’s What’s for an Appetizer.

    From the kitchen of Lea Ann Brown

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mick says

      December 17, 2012 at 8:51 am

      5 stars
      I LOVE Jaja – and I believe it was your recommendation that brought me there first. Time to go again, love the brunch, or dinner, or any excuse to go, great date place with momma!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        December 17, 2012 at 12:03 pm

        We went for the Boujalais (sp?) celebration, and the first night they served Beef Bourginon (sp?) Man I love that place.

        Reply
    2. Vickie says

      December 10, 2012 at 11:46 am

      These look to-die-for delicious. I love how bacon tastes with sweets – and that cider sauce sounds so darned good. Are the little red specks from the cider or is that a pinch of those tasty little Aleppo pepper flakes?

      Reply
    3. Jane says

      December 09, 2012 at 9:39 am

      Yum, that does sound amazing!!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        December 09, 2012 at 11:25 am

        Thanks Jane

        Reply
    4. Karen says

      December 08, 2012 at 12:01 pm

      Oooh, these sound so good… love the apple bit in there along with the cider.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        December 09, 2012 at 11:24 am

        It’s a good combo Karen.

        Reply
    5. Cathy at Wives with Knives says

      December 08, 2012 at 7:58 am

      Bacon wrapped dates are one of my favorite appetizers. I haven’t had them in ages and don’t think I’ve ever made them at home. Thanks for the recipe, Lea Ann.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        December 09, 2012 at 11:23 am

        You’re welcome Cathy.

        Reply
    6. Joanne says

      December 08, 2012 at 5:41 am

      Stuffed dates are such a favorite of mine! Great recipe!

      Reply
    7. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

      December 07, 2012 at 10:35 am

      This sounds like a wonderful appetizer. I have hard cider that we made sitting in the wine cellar…this is a must do recipe.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        December 09, 2012 at 11:23 am

        I’m a new hard cider fan.

        Reply
    8. Larry says

      December 07, 2012 at 4:00 am

      Judging from the comments, they must be good, but I’ll have to think about this one a little.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        December 09, 2012 at 11:23 am

        Where’s your sense of adventure Larry. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Holly says

      December 06, 2012 at 2:58 pm

      This looks wonderful! I have wrapped dates in bacon before but never with an apple hidden inside…and that sauce sounds fantastic! I will be serving this to friends at our next get together.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        December 09, 2012 at 11:22 am

        And they’re easy. I love that hard cider. I also used it in a mixture to baste my TG Turkey breast.

        Reply
    10. Nancy says

      December 06, 2012 at 2:34 pm

      Passed on to my personal chef. Loved YaYa’s!!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        December 09, 2012 at 11:22 am

        I’m sure keeping that personal chef busy these days. 🙂

        Reply
        • Nancy says

          December 12, 2012 at 3:50 pm

          Yes you are – thanks! Keep up the good work!

    11. Cathy @ Noble Pig says

      December 06, 2012 at 2:11 pm

      I once ate a whole tray myself…yum.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        December 09, 2012 at 11:21 am

        As could I. 🙂

        Reply
    12. Susan says

      December 06, 2012 at 1:12 pm

      Now I see why you have some dates left 😉 These look delicious!! Good for you for replicating the recipe.

      To answer your question on the nut recipe, I don’t see why dates wouldn’t work as well as figs, although I think they are just slightly softer in texture.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann says

        December 09, 2012 at 11:21 am

        Thanks Susan. Those nuts sounded divine. As always, thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    13. Chris says

      December 06, 2012 at 12:49 pm

      Our favorite food truck here in Knoxville makes something similar and Alexis always has to have them. They stuff theirs with almonds, wrap in bacon and have a blue cheese sauce which sounded gross to me but it really works.

      Reply
    14. pam says

      December 06, 2012 at 12:05 pm

      This sounds amazingly good!!!

      Reply

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    I'm Lea Ann, A Culinary School Grad bringing you Wild West Colorado inspired recipes. You'll find lots of Southwestern, and Mexican food recipes, and some favorites from Culinary School along with pro cooking tips. If you're an adventurous home cook looking to spice up your meal plans, you'll find plenty of inspiration and reliable, approachable, easy to follow recipes.

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