🧀🍷 Two Ways to Date Deliciously

Looking for an appetizer that guarantees a good time? Let’s talk dates. No small talk, no awkward pauses — just rich, sweet, creamy perfection that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

These little bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser — easy to make, fancy enough for a party, and just indulgent enough to feel a little flirty. Whether you’re feeding a room full of guests or just yourself (no judgment here), stuffed dates are the kind of appetizer that disappears fast and makes you look like you totally have it together.

I’ve got two versions for you, depending on your mood:

• One’s smoky, savory, and wrapped in bacon — the kind of snack that makes people hover near the tray.

• The other’s sweet, elegant, and kissed with red wine — perfect for when you’re feeling a little extra.

Whichever you choose, both will absolutely steal the show.

A tempting presentation of gourmet stuffed dates: some are encased in crispy bacon, while others are adorned with mascarpone, cocoa dusted cashews, and a drizzle of wine syrup.

🔥 Smoky Goat Cheese & Bacon Dates

Makes: 20–26 dates

Ingredients:

• 20–26 dates

• 4 oz goat cheese, softened

• 1 tsp orange zest

• ½ tsp thyme

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 2 tsp honey

• 2 Tbsp smoked almonds, finely chopped

• 10–13 slices bacon, cut in half

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

2. Cut a slit in each date.

3. In a small bowl, mix goat cheese, orange zest, thyme, pepper, honey, and smoked almonds until creamy.

4. Stuff each date with about ½ to 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture.

Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with cheese, arranged on a foil-lined baking sheet, ready to be cooked to crispy perfection.

5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until bacon is crisp.

6. Cool to room temperature.

Put it inside of you and enjoy. 😏

🍷 Red Wine & Mascarpone Dates

Makes: 10 dates

Ingredients:

• 20 dates

• ½ cup red wine (your favorite kind)

• ¼ cup sugar

• 4 oz mascarpone cheese

• 2 tsp honey

• 20 cocoa powder–dusted almonds or cashews

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine wine and sugar. Bring to a simmer.

2. Add dates and simmer 1 minute, then remove from heat. Cover and steep 10 minutes.

Dates soaking in vibrant red wine, capturing a sense of warmth and infusion in a pot.

3. Remove dates and let cool.

4. In a bowl, mix mascarpone and honey until smooth.

5. Cut a slit in each date and fill with the mascarpone mixture.

6. Top each with a cocoa-dusted nut.

7. Return the wine mixture to the stove and simmer until reduced to about ¼ cup and syrupy.

8. Cool slightly, drizzle over the filled dates, and chill until ready to serve.

Put it inside of you and enjoy! 🍷💋