Everything is better with bacon…and California Figs!
Sure to please dad on Father’s Day is a dish that includes bacon…and California Figs, of course! Bacon is more than just a popular side dish; it’s now enjoyed in everything from appetizers to desserts. People don’t just like bacon, they love bacon.
Sweet and savory foods often complement each other. Think of a salad with savory cheese and bacon crumbles, and sweet, chewy California Dried Figs. Or, how about pork medallions wrapped in bacon and served with fig and maple sauce? Then, there’s also caramelized onion, fig, goat cheese and bacon pizza. We even found a dessert with bacon and figs—mini ricotta cheesecake with fig and bourbon jam and candied bacon! Sounds absolutely amazing.
Start Father’s Day off right with our Bacon-Wrapped Figs with Maple Snakebite Glaze & Goat Cheese Dip.
Bacon-Wrapped Figs with Maple Snakebite Glaze & Goat Cheese Dip
6 strips bacon, halved crosswise
12 Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid Figs, stemmed
12 pecan pieces, toasted
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Goat Cheese and Thyme Dip, recipe follows (optional)
Preheat oven to 425°. Place 4 layers of paper towels on a microwave safe plate. Top with bacon slices. Cover with two more layers of paper towels. Microcook on high 1 to 2 minutes to render fat from bacon, but not crisp. Slice each fig twice, starting at stem end, and cutting three-quarters of way to bottom. Stuff each fig with a piece of pecan. Wrap half of a strip of bacon around each fig and secure with a toothpick. Place on foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes. Turn. Return to oven for 5 minutes or until bacon is sizzling and begins to crisp. In small bowl, combine syrup and cayenne pepper. Brush over appetizers. Serve warm with Dip. Makes 12 servings.
Goat Cheese Dip: In small bowl, mix ¼-cup (2 oz.) soft goat cheese, ¼-cup (2 oz.) cream cheese, 3 tablespoons milk and 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves or 3/4 teaspoons dry thyme leaves. Cover and chill until serving time. Makes about 1/2 cup.
Alternate Recipe
Bacon-Wrapped Figs With Goat Cheese And Snakebite Glaze Prepare bacon and cut figs as directed. Omit pecans and dip. Stuff each fig with small ball of goat or blue cheese. Wrap with bacon, bake and glaze as directed.
“Try ‘Em, You’ll Like ‘Em” Healthy Lifestyle Tips
So far we’ve taken to heart the Super Three and Gone Fishing. Last month we went walking, so this month we need some water.
Getting enough water every day is important for your health. Most of your fluid needs are met through the water and beverages you drink.
When your water intake doesn’t equal your output, you can become dehydrated. Fluid losses increase during vigorous exercise, in warmer climates and in older adults.
How much water should you drink?
The rule of thumb of 8 glasses a day is no longer true. Instead, think about how much you weigh and divide that number in half. That’s how many ounces of water many experts recommend you drink each day. For instance, a person who weighs 180 pounds should drink 90 oz. of water each day, or about 11 glasses.
Tips to Help You Drink More Water
- Have a beverage with every snack and meal.
- Keep a bottle of water with you in your car, at your desk, or in your bag.
- Freeze some freezer-safe water bottles. Take one with you for ice-cold water.
- Choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages.
- Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water. This can help improve the taste.
