Football season is in full swing, and if you are anything like me, that makes you more excited for the tailgate than the actual game! Now what’s a good tailgate without delicious finger foods? Well, if you ask me, it’s incomplete. Whether you are actually at your Alma-mater tailgating for homecoming, at the field of your local pro team, or just in your living room, the food is an essential part of the day. Not only should it be easy to consume with one hand, since you need the other for your drink, or cheering, whichever matters more, but it should also be easy to make, so you can spend the day having fun – not sitting in the kitchen cooking. All of that makes these prosciutto wrapped dates a touchdown! It may seem odd that I like these, given I don’t like bacon. But over the last few years I have discovered one way I actually do like it…wrapped around a date. If you add cheese, like this recipe calls for, you’ve kicked a field goal! These are so delicious and incredibly easy to make, that you will wow all the other fans at your next tailgate, without having to stress about your cooking at all. So sit back, grab your drink, grab your date (the bacon wrapped one) and start cheering for your team!

Ingredients:

36 pitted dry dates

12 slices of Bayonne prosciutto

Manchego cheese: 4oz

Honey: ½ tablespoon spoon

Heavy cream: 1 cup

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400F.

Melt half the Manchego cheese with the cream in a saucepan, salt and pepper, boil and then mix everything together in a blender. Put aside in a cooler/refrigerator.

Stuff the dates with the other half of the Manchego cheese.

Wrap the dates 3 by 3 with one slice of Bayonne prosciutto

Bake the dates in an oven at (400F) for 4 minutes, then top the dates with honey and re-bake for 1 minute.

Plate and serve with the dressing on the side. Serves 4+ people.

If you happen to be in Miami, stop into Villa Azur and let them do the cooking for you. This recipe is featured on their menu, at tailgate time and all the time.

Signed with Style,