The first Valentine’s Day I spent with Jason, he gave me a very generous Starbucks gift card {if you knew Jason at that time, then you would have known his dislike for Starbucks, and so the fact that he personally went IN to an establishment was when I knew he really loved me} and took me to a nice, romantical, it’s a word, dinner. The trouble with a fancy Valentine dinner out, is that you get the only time the restaurant has available, at 5:00, which takes away from the moment, right?
Since that first Valentine’s Day together, we have kept it low-key. One year we made fondue and rented a movie. Several years in a row, we shared wings at The Press Box, and attended a Tampa Bay Lightning Game. I have extremely high expectations from my guy, huh?
This year, instead of going out or making a huge lovely meal, I am opting for several tapa style plates. I have recently discovered dates {after completing the Whole 30}, and initially thought that dates were for old people, but I have now used them in several recipes over the month, and like how they can naturally sweeten up any dish in lieu of sugar.
I found this recipe, and decided that while it was okay, I didn’t want an almond or block of cheese in my date. I still loved the cheese component, however and opted to use ricotta; melty smooth ricotta, ya’ll. I could eat ricotta with just a spoon! And then of course wrapped this ricotta stuffed date with bacon…because, BACON.
This would be a great plate to bring to any party, dinner for two, or a girls night in if you’re celebrating with friends, over drinks. Mmmm, drinks and bacon wrapped dates, with ricotta.
I hadn’t had a date until last year. Who knew I would like them? now you wrap them in bacon?? Yes please!!
The best way right, Bobbi?!
Anything wrapped in bacon is okay by me! 😉 Looks delish!
I’ve heard lots of good things about dates and adding this my must try list!
Oo I’ve stuffed dates with goat cheese and cream cheese but never ricotta. What a fun change!
Mmm, I am a goat cheese fiend! That is next on my list to add to these dates; YUM.
These look great. I would substitute turkey bacon!
Mmm, also a yummy choice!
These look great! I love your idea of a few tapas plates for Valentine’s Day too.
Thanks, Julie! I am all about easy this year 🙂
I LOVE the creativity and deliciousness of this recipe!!
Thanks, Betsy!
Confession: I’ve never eaten a date in my life, mainly because I think they’re ugly as sin, but you covered them with beautiful bacon…so I might HAVE to try them 😉
I just started to eat them, so I totally get it, Becca…but isn’t anything covered in bacon, delish?!
Yum! I love to stuff dates with cheese too! I often use a mix of gorgonzola and mascarpone, but I’d love to try this version too! Looks great!
WHY did I not think of mascarpone?! That would be heavenly
I always found it funny how much I love dates when they are so strongly associated as an “old person” dried fruit. Glad I am not the only one, these bacon wrapped dates sound divine.
Date lovers, unite!
Mmm, I love feta…now I need to try that combo!
Love these so much!!! They are always a party hit here and sexy for Valentine’s Day!!
Thanks, Tara! They were definitely a hit when I made these the first time around
You know, I’ve never used dates in an appetizer. I have used dried figs that were stuffed with pistachios in a similar recipe but these look just as good. I could also imagine the salty bacon balances out the sweetness of the dates. Looks delicious!
The bacon definitely brings out the sweetness in the dates…I love the idea of dried figs, too. I need to try that next!
Bacon wrapped dates are one of my all time favorite appetizers, but I’ve never made them with ricotta before! Great idea!
Until this recipe, I had never had bacon wrapped dates…but now I am intrigued to find more recipes!
What a great starter! Anything with bacon works for me!
Exactly!
What a perfect combination of flavors! I have recently discovered dates too, and you’re right, these would be a perfect addition to any party!
I love Bacon Wrapped Dates ! The addition of ricotta sounds yummy! 🙂
These are FANTASTIC — What a great combination!
Have you tried data molasses? It’s absolutely delicious and a great sweetener and alternative to traditional molasses, plus it’s really good in a vinaigrette! Anyway, I love stuffed dates and even better to be wrapped in bacon!
No, I’ve never even heard of data molasses, but now I’ll have to look for it! I’m all for sweetener alternatives! Thanks
I’d eat almost anything stuffed in a bacon wrapped date! YUM!
This is my new life motto, Liz!
Perfect little bite o’ food to go with a glass of wine! Idea: You could stir some snipped chives into the ricotta for another layer to the flavor.
Ooh, great idea! I’ll have to try that
Yum! How delicious! I just love bacon wrapped dated and with ricotta, yes please!! Love the recipe!
Thanks, Jennifer!
So easy and such tasty little bites for Valentine’s Day or any day.
I feel like not only is this dish easy, but also somewhat “fancy” for an appetizer at home, which is why I like it 🙂
It’s funny that you used to associate Dates with old people because so do I!! However you make this worth giving a shot! Bacon…….and cheese! I’m in!
Right, Tammi?! But the sweet dates with cheese and BACON, changed my perspective, for sure.
What a perfect little bite-size treat for Valentine’s Day!
Thanks, Shaina!