Devils on horseback - Paleo friendly!

Devils on horseback.  Let the name sink in for a second.  What does that even mean??? 

Well let me tell you, even though these delicious bites are oddly named, they are quite phenomenal AND perfect to wow friends at a cocktail party.  A decadent, satisfying bite that is simultaneously sweet, savory, crunchy and bacon-y.  And even better, they pair SO well with a nice full-bodied red wine!  You're welcome :)

Thanks to Chef Jonathan Sawyer's "Devils on Horseback" recipe.  With just six easy ingredients, this recipe is super easy, yet jam-packed with a SUPER punch of flavors and ingredients that you would not normally think should go together.

Here's how I made them:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees, and line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with Pam spray (or similar).

Cut a sliver in one side of a date, removing the pit.  Halve a jalapeno, removing the seams and seeds, and slice into thin strips.  Cut bacon strips lengthwise into halves.  Chop up a bar of dark chocolate into strips.

You're done with prep.  Seriously, easy.

Now, assemble.  Stuff sliced almond(s), jalapeno strip, and chocolate into a date, top with salt, close date around the stuffing....

...and then wrap bacon around date.  Place on baking sheet...

...repeat...

...Pop in a 300 degree oven for 5-7 minutes until bacon is slightly cooked...

...and serve IMMEDIATELY...

...Preferably with a beautiful glass of red wine!  Note that these are rich and decadent, so just one and you're satisfied!


And here's the full recipe:

Devils on Horseback
Recipe slightly adapted from Chef Jonathan Sawyer


Ingredients:
12 strips of bacon (I used organic turkey bacon, sliced in half
24 dates, pitted
1-2 jalapeno, seeded and sliced into small strips
24-48 sliced almonds (depending on size)
72% dark chocolate squares, sliced into slivers
Coarse sea salt

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with Pam spray (or similar)
3. Stuff each date with a slice of jalapeno, 1-2 sliced almonds, dark chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt.
4. Close date if possible, wrap in one slice of bacon, and place on baking sheet.  Repeat until all dates are stuffed.
5. Bake for 5-7 minutes until bacon is slightly cooked.
6. Serve immediately, preferably with a beautiful glass of red wine.  Note that these are rich and decadent, so just one and you're satisfied!