If you read about my messy kitchen yesterday, you may have seen these little goodies on the counter.
Here’s to my MESSY kitchen at the end of the day!
And a NEW yummy appetizer recipe that I promised I’d share today.
These little apricot bites are so tasty, and the ingredients are easy to keep on hand for last-minute company. I forgot to add the fresh rosemary to the photos, but fresh herbs really add to any appetizer, depending on what flavors you have going on. Rosemary and honey is always a hit!
I get asked a lot the best places to stock up on appetizer ingredients. Good question, and here are a few of my answers:
What kind of bacon do I keep on hand?
I purchase the fully cooked bacon slices from Costco. You can freeze what you don’t use!
Where to buy the dried fruit?
I like Trader Joe’s dried apricots the best, and then next I shop Grocery Outlet for a bargain. You want to make sure the fruit is soft and fresh.
What can you substitute for the apricots?
There are quite a few ingredients that would be a delicious replacement, such as pineapple chunks, chicken pieces, water chestnuts, figs, shrimp or dates.
We always keep an assortment of nuts on hand, but I usually buy in bulk from Costco. I think it’s the best deal around. But for more specialized, again, Trader Joe’s, Harry & David, or Grocery Outlet.
Everyone has honey, right? This was home-raised from my friend, Barb, but Amy has supplied us with several jars, too. There’s nothing like home-raised honey!
What’s your favorite appetizer to make with bacon?
Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Apricots with Honey & Rosemary {ReluctantEntertainer.com}
Summary: Tasty bites served either hot or cold. Make ahead of time and refrigerate.
Ingredients
- 8 fully cooked bacon slices
- 16 whole dried apricots
- 16 nuts, such as Sesame Honey Cashews from Trader Joe’s
- 3 T. honey
- Fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper for easy clean up.
- Cut the bacon slices in half. Lay the apricot pieces in the baking dish, place 1 nut on top; wrap with 1/2 piece of bacon and secure together with a toothpick.
- Bake the apricots for 12-15 minutes, but do not overcook. Cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove to a serving dish. Drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with freshly chopped rosemary. Serve!
Preparation time: 5 minute(s)
Cooking time: 15 minute(s)
Hi, I'm Sandy. Five years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this "icon" portrays a great message. 
I want to share with you some of my favorite places to visit in blog-land, sites that I learn from and am inspired by, and some beautiful friends that I’ve met over the years.
WOW WOW WOW!!! This sounds like the most perfect snack or appetizer!! Well worth the messy kitchen!!
[Reply]
Sandy Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:47 am
It was, Liz. I also made a scrumptious St. Paddy’s Day stew – recipe coming up!
[Reply]
Twitter: cookincanuck
says:
Wow, those are evil in the best way possible! A little sweet, a little salty…heaven.
[Reply]
Twitter: addapinch
says:
Genius, Sandy, pure genius!!! Bacon…honey…and rosemary… oh what can I say!!! I’m craving them now!
[Reply]
Sandy Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:47 am
I know, Robyn. So tasty … and easy, too!
[Reply]
These look great and all the ingredients could be kept on hand. I’ve never tried the fully cooked bacon from Costco. Need to put it on my list.
Darla
[Reply]
Sandy Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:46 am
It’s really easy to freeze, too, Darla!
[Reply]
Such a perfect party treat!
[Reply]
Twitter: spabettie
says:
I love using apricots in a sweet and savory recipe. These look amazing, and between the apricots and cashews, you have used two of my favorite things!
[Reply]
Twitter: bellalimento
says:
I absolutely could not eat just one : )
[Reply]
Sandy Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:46 am
Agree, Paula. I think I ate 5! Yikes!
[Reply]
Twitter: aggieskitchen
says:
I love the salty / sweet that’s going on here – yum! Great tips, appetizers are my favorite foods!
[Reply]
Oh my goodness, just bring me the whole plate. These are fabulous!
[Reply]
What a great appetizer idea! I have bacon and apricots right now too, can’t wait to try it out!
[Reply]
Twitter: missnthekitchen
says:
Pretty sure I could devour a whole platter of these!
[Reply]
DELISH! I could eat the whole platter, and then some.
[Reply]
ANOTHER fabulous appetizer, Sandy! I’m loving all the flavors in this one!
[Reply]
What a lovely appetizer idea!
Thinking about eating these, I’m mouth-watering now.
[Reply]