Brown Sugar Devils on Horseback

Brown Sugar Devils on Horseback made of Medjool dates stuffed with pungent blue cheese, wrapped in bacon, and baked until golden and crisp. A delicious medley of sweet and savory, these bite-sized appetizers are sure absolutely addicting!

When I was presented with this amazing opportunity to team up with Wente Vineyards in celebrating National Chardonnay Day and the important people who have made a difference in our lives, I knew I was going to write about my mother. After all, it was Mom’s Day this Sunday and heaven knows how I love this woman dearly.

But then today, I had to take photos of the devils on horseback appetizers I made to enjoy with my glass (or two) of Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonnay and it proved to be quite a struggle. I was bending and contorting every which way trying to shoot with one hand and pour the wine with the other, it was almost comedic if I weren’t so frustrated.

After many unsuccessful attempts, I had to call G to the rescue. He stood there, pouring the wine patiently as I took shot after shot (of photos, of course).

Watching him as he cleared the kitchen mess and washed the mountain of pots and pans I sullied with nary a peep (ok, maybe a grumble here and there), I felt this huge lump jump from the pit of my heart to my throat. God, how I love this man dearly!

So, today, instead of writing an ode to my mother, I am giving my bae a shout out. I am sure my mom understands, she’s happy when I am happy.

When G and I met, I just went through a pretty painful divorce and was literally in broken pieces. The existence I once knew laid askew and I didn’t quite know how to rebuild around me. He walked into my life, 6-ft tall, with eyes as blue as the sky and a smile as beautiful as his soul, and saw me through my tears. He took my hand and brought me to a better place where I love and am loved by a better man.

So, today, I raise my glass to exciting fresh starts. There’ll always be the good, the bad, and the ugly along the way and thanks to Wente Vineyards, we can toast to the love of the journey with the best Chardonnay!

One of my favorite ways to celebrate life’s surprises is with a glass of wine and a tray of my favorite appetizers.

These brown sugar devils on horseback are filled with pungent blue cheese, wrapped in bacon, rolled in brown sugar and chili powder mixture, and then baked to golden perfection. A delicious medley of sweet, spicy, and creamy, they pair well with the crisp, delicate taste of Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonnay. They’re so easy to make and are sure to be a hit whether served for a couple’s night or for a large crowd.

Here are a few tips on how to have these appetizers ready in no time:

• Use regular cut (NOT thick cut) bacon so they cook and crisp quickly and nicely in the oven.
• This is totally optional but I like to pop the prepared dates in the freezer for a few minutes before baking to keep the cheese from melting too much and oozing out of the dates.
• I like a slight crust of brown sugar on the outside but if you prefer just the flavor and not the crunch, stir the brown sugar and chili powder with about 1/2 teaspoon of water until dissolved and brush all over the bacon instead of rolling in the sugar mixture.

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @OnionRingsAndThings on Facebook and Instagram!

5 from 3 votes

Brown Sugar Devils on Horseback

Brown Sugar Devils on Horseback made of Medjool dates stuffed with pungent blue cheese, wrapped in bacon, and baked until golden and crisp. A delicious medley of sweet and savory, these bite-sized appetizers are sure absolutely addicting!

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Author: Onion Rings and Things

Course: Appetizer

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8 Servings

Ingredients

• 24 pieces Medjool dates
• 8 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
• 8 strips bacon, cut crosswise into thirds

Instructions

• With a small paring knife, cut each date lengthwise without cutting into half completely. Gently pry open to remove pit.
• Stuff date with crumbled blue cheese and press edges to seal.
• Wrap the stuffed date with bacon and secure the seam with a toothpick. Repeat with the remaining dates. 
• Arrange dates in a single layer a wire rack set on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in a 400 F oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until bacon is golden and crisp. Remove from heat and serve hot.

“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”