Bacon Wrapped Prunes

One of our favorite spots in Poznan is Kriek Belgian Pub and Cafe.  On a recent visit, we wanted a little something to nibble on with our beers.  We ordered a plate of the bacon wrapped goodies we’d seen on another table.  Imagine our surprise to find out they were prunes – half of them were stuffed with cheese.  They were surprisingly delicious!!!  The combination of flavors and textures is amazing – sweet/salty, chewy/crisp.  Yummy juxtaposition!    They were easy to make at home and let’s face it, your guests will be impressed by anything wrapped in bacon.

Note:  let me offer a variation inspired by a bag of prunes and the peanut butter jar sitting next to each other on the counter.   Rather than stuffing the prunes with cheese, just use your finger to open up the hole left in the pitting process, wrap with bacon, and continue as below.  When the bacon wrapped prunes have cooled to room temperature, pipe a little dab of peanut butter into the opening. 

Ingredients

12 prunes, pitted
2 – 3 ounces cheese, of your choice
6 slices bacon, cut in half
oil for frying

Directions

• Fill the cavities left by the pits with cheese (I used small cubes of marinated goat cheese)
• Wrap 1/2 bacon slice around each prune, secure with toothpicks
• Heat oil over medium-high heat and cook wrapped prunes until bacon is cooked and crisp
• As an alternative to frying, try baking at 350 until bacon is crisp

Yields – 12 appetizers

Note: You can also bake the bacon at 350 on parchment until it begins to brown, wrap the prunes, and return to the oven until the bacon is crisp.