SEASON TO TASTE

Who doesn’t adore attending a theme-inspired party? Furthermore, who doesn’t love jump-starting such a festive evening sitting outdoors, surrounded by the dearest of friends?

You put a cup of sweet-summer punch in one hand and a delectable appetizer in the other and before long…….well, I’m feeling all “hotsy-totsy” just thinking about it.

Now the following recipe may have had its origin in some unknown region of the world, but when Sandie McCartney decided to serve it to a rather small flock of her porch-sitting-friends, in our book, she made recipe history!!!

Savor Sandie McCartney’s Back Porch Nibbles

18 large dates, split lengthwise and pitted

6 slices smoked bacon, cut crosswise into thirds

2 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, cut into 18 pieces

*Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Insert 1 piece of cheese into the date. Wrap date with bacon and secure with a toothpick. Repeat process with remaining dates. Arrange 1 inch apart on a foil lined jelly roll pan. Bake for 10-11 minutes or until the bacon is crisp; turn after 5 minutes. Drain dates on paper towels and serve immediately.