Whipped Goat Cheese With Warm Candied Bacon And Dates Food

WHIPPED GOAT CHEESE WITH WARM BACON AND DATES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper
• On the sheet tray, toss together bacon, shallot, rosemary, 1 tablespoon honey, and cayenne. Arrange in an even layer. Bake until bacon is crisp, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, 3 Tablespoons honey, pinch of kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper in a food processor. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Spoon the whipped goat cheese into a serving bowl.
• Top whipped goat cheese with the warm bacon and dates. Drizzle topped with olive oil, and balsamic vinegar (optional). I recommend drizzling the top with hot honey.
• Toast bread and serve!

CREAMY GOAT CHEESE, BACON AND DATE DIP

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, stir together the goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Transfer to a 1-quart baking dish or ovenproof skillet, and spread into an even layer. Bake until warmed through and bubbling, about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, then add the dates to the bacon fat in the skillet, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the insides are warm and the outsides blister, about 1 minute.
• Top the baked cheese with the dates and bacon, and garnish as you wish. Serve at once.