Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates

• servings: 8 servings
• total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

6-8 slices bacon, chopped

2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, using more or less to taste

12 plump Medjool dates, pitted and torn

1 log (10 ounce) creamy goat cheese, at room temperature

4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.2. On the baking sheet, toss together the bacon, 1 tablespoon rosemary, the brown sugar, 1 teaspoon honey, and the cayenne. Arrange in an even layer. Tear the dates and scatter them around the bacon. Bake 8-10 minutes, until the bacon is crisping.3. Meanwhile, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy. The goat cheese mix can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, but bring to room temp before serving. 4. In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup honey, 1 tablespoon rosemary, a pinch of cayenne - to taste, and a pinch of salt. 5. Spoon the goat cheese into a serving bowl and then top with the warm bacon and dates. Drizzle over a little the rosemary honey. Serve with bread or crackers.

Nutrition

• Calories: 240 kcal