Pinochle!

We had the BEST time this weekend learning a new card game with friends. It's called Pinochle (pronounced Pea-knuckle) and it was truly a blast. The best part? We decided to add to the fun with several delicious appetizers and cheese and chocolate fondue! Good food, good company and a really fun game.

Our friends Deb and Nick hosted the evening and provided most of the delicious food. Kevin and I brought spinach dip and Kathryn's bacon wrapped apricots (I got a little confused at the store and bought apricots instead of dates!). Here's Kathryn's recipe for Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Manchego and Sweet Peppers . . .

Bacon Wrapped Dates (or Apricots!) Stuffed with Manchego and Sweet Peppers

Bacon
Dates (or Apricots!)
Manchego Cheese
Sweet Peppers (you can find these in the canned food section)
toothpicks

To assemble these delicious bites, cut an opening in the date/apricot and stuff each with a little piece of manchego and a sliver of sweet pepper. Then wrap each in half a slice of bacon and seal with a toothpick. Line a cookie sheet with foil and top with a cooling rack - you want to leave a place for the bacon fat to drip. I used my broiler pan and placed the bites over the openings. Place each on the prepared cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes in a 425 degree oven, turning halfway through.

Ready for the oven!

I wish I had remembered to snap a picture before we gobbled them all up! Who wants to join us for a our next Pinochle gathering?