The holidays are winding down but with the colder weather still upon us the parties continue thus New Years resolutions beware aka ‘damned if you and damned if you don’t.’ Who said you have to start the new year without a taste of heaven? Just choose wisely try not to go back for seconds. This is my favorite appetizer creation of 2016 so far!
Tips to prevent overeating:
- Select a dessert plate whose diameter excluding the rim is 4-5 inches
- Only one plate serving aka only one trip to load the plate
- Keep everything on the surface of the plate rather than creating piles
- Food should not graze the rim (#thestruggleisreal)
Recently when visiting Gruene, Texas, I came across a fabulous shop called The Gruene Olive: Tasting Room – just opened about 2 weeks prior to Christmas and is the perfect space to grab a tasting and leave with goodies for families and friends. This delicious recipe utilizes their Pomegranate – Quince White Balsamic Vinegar!
Benefits of Balsamic Vinegar: 1) Low in calories, high in antioxidants called polyphenols, and 3) Low in sugar/low glycemic index.
Ingredients:
- 7 medjool dates; sliced into quarters
- 9 slices of bacon; trimmed (remove the fatty white areas)
- 3-4 large berries; sliced from the bottom up then halved
- 2-3 tbsp pomegranate-quince white balsamic vinegar; for drizzling
- Cooking tools recommended for best results and easy clean-up: parchment paper and toothpicks
Methodology:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- On a baking sheet place add a piece of parchment paper.
- Combine one strawberry slice with a medjool date slice then wrap with bacon. Only use just enough bacon to wrap then cut and use the remainder of the bacon for the next date/strawberry combo. After cutting the bacon and wrapping the date/strawberry then secure with a toothpick. Repeat until all the dates are gone.
- Drizzle the wrapped dates with the balsamic vinegar.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes until browned or until the aroma cannot be resisted.
- Chew your way to heaven.
xxx – Sarah
thefitbonvivant 