Perfect for cookouts, gamedays, or flavorful aperitivos with a kick, Brittany Furbee shares her recipe for sweet-heat bacon-wrapped dates, glazed in Raven’s Nest Blackberry Jalapeño Jam. Stuffed with a savory goat cheese, these dates offer a full experience.
She begins by preheating the oven to 375 degrees and preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet. After setting the baking sheet aside, the blackberry jalapeño glaze is assembled. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine Raven’s Nest Blackberry Jalapeño Jam, honey, and ground pepper. Consistently stir for five to seven minutes, or until a smooth glaze is formed, and set aside.
In a small bowl, start on the filling by adding goat cheese, whipped cream cheese, and honey. Using a hand mixer, mix until well combined and fluffy. Add the mixture to a piping bag, and pipe the cheese into each date. Wrap each date with a half-slice of bacon, and secure with a toothpick. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each date with the glaze, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Discard the remaining glaze, or save it for your next steak, salmon, baked brie, or even ice cream for a spicy, sweet treat.
Bake for 20 minutes, and allow to cool before serving. No matter where you find yourself serving these small but mighty delicacies, we’re sure they’ll be instant crowd pleasers.
Meet the Maker:
Monica Smith is the president and owner of Raven’s Nest Gourmet, originally founded by her mother, Raven. Since 1980, the female-owned and operated family business has been specializing in artisan jams, butters, salsas, and spices. Smith stepped into leadership when her parents were ready to retire, and has been carrying on the legacy her parents built ever since. From production to packaging to customer service and sales, Smith has captured firsthand insight into what makes Raven’s Nest the special labor of love it is.
Smith is passionate about educating customers on the magic her products can bring to a multitude of dishes. Experiment with the Raspberry Jalapeño Jam for a spicy-sweet jam-based cocktail, or pair the Peach Habanero with your favorite cheeses in a charcuterie spread. Through imaginative flavors and excellent-quality ingredients, Raven’s Nest is committed to elevating all moments, from an everyday meal to a special gathering.
recipe 
yields
Serves 4
steps
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet and set aside.
- Make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine blackberry jalapeño jam, honey, and pepper. Stir consistently for 5 to 7 minutes, or until a smooth glaze has formed. Set aside.
- Make the dates: In a small bowl, add goat cheese, whipped cream cheese, and honey. Using a hand mixer, mix until well combined and fluffy. Add mixture to a piping bag and pipe cheese into each date. Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon, and secure with a toothpick. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each date with glaze and place on prepared baking sheet. (Discard remaining glaze.) Bake for 20 minutes and allow to cool before serving.
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Recipe by
Brittany Furbee -
Contributing City
Chattanooga
