The Fancy Fork Goat Cheese & Bacon-Wrapped

THE

FancyFork

BY LAUREN SEPHTON Recipe By @brightmomentco

Goat Cheese & Bacon-Wrapped Dates Appetizer

PREP TIME: 10 MIN | COOK TIME: 20 MIN | TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN | SERVINGS: 12

This “Goat Cheese & BaconWrapped Dates Appetizer” is an easy holiday dish that’s quick to make, and a savory-sweet bite that everyone will love! The sweet dates are stuffed with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, topped with fresh rosemary and drizzled with local honey.

We are embracing all things cozy and sweet this fall season, before the winter cold comes. And with it comes a long list of seasonal produce to add an abundance of flavor and nutrients to your meals! A few include winter squash-like pumpkin, butternut, kabocha, delicate, and acorn squash. You also have sweet potatoes, walnuts, almonds, pecans, apples, pears, cranberries, persimmons, Brussels sprouts, and root vegetables in season. And let’s not forget about kale and wild porcini mushrooms that are packed with essential minerals to support a healthy diet!

But this month, we’re diving further into the health benefits of fresh Medjool dates, that are one of November’s seasonal delights. Many studies have shown that they can reduce inflammation, improve hormone regulation, stimulate the immune system, and prevent DNA damage. Their fiber alone can boost digestion and heart health, while also lowering your risk of several chronic diseases.

INGREDIENTS:

6 oz. Creamy Goat Cheese 12-20 plump Medjool Dates 1/3 cup Honey or Maple Syrup 2-3 Tbsp. Milk 12 slices Bacon, thinly sliced, cut in half 2 Rosemary Sprigs, chopped Salt & Black Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400º F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Cut a slit lengthwise in the dates, splitting them open to remove and discard the pit.

3. In a small bowl, use a rubber spatula to mix the goat cheese, milk, 2 Tbsp. honey, and chopped rosemary together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. (The mixture should be silky smooth and creamy, not dry.)

4. Stuff each date with the goat cheese mix, then wrap in bacon. Place on the prepared baking pan.

5. Brush with the remaining honey. Sprinkle with additional salt, chopped rosemary, and black pepper (optional).

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bacon is crispy and golden.

7. Serve warm with crushed walnuts (optional) and honey. Enjoy!

Benefit Your Health and Boost Your Meals by Adding Tea to Your Cooking This Fall

BY SUSAN B B SCHABACKER

Tea is not just a healthy and beneficial beverage that’s sippable and savorable, but it can also make meals more nutritious and delicious. Stay warm and cozy this fall and winter and experience the joys of cooking with tea!

SOUPS & STEWS

Southwestern Fiesta Goulash

INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds lean ground beef 2 large yellow onions, chopped 2 bell peppers or sweet peppers, chopped or minced 3 cups black beans 1-2 Tablespoons minced hot peppers (jalapenos/ habaneros—optional) 3 cloves garlic, chopped or minced 2 cups tea (black teas, pu-erhs, or oolongs) 2 cups beef or vegetable broth 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced or stewed tomatoes 3 Tablespoons soy sauce 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 Tablespoons dried Italian herb seasoning or fresh oregano/ rosemary/basil 3 bay leaves 2 teaspoons paprika

Cayenne pepper to taste (for those who like spicy)

Salt and ground black pepper to taste 2 cups pasta of choice

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat a slow cooker set on high heat. Add all ingredients and cook on high for 1 hour. Top with a dollop of sour cream/guacamole/pico de gallo/ salsa verde.

Recipe adapted from classic goulash recipe: allrecipes.com/recipe/213268/ classic-goulash/

Potato, Squash, and Leek Soup

INGREDIENTS: 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil 4 large leeks, white and light-green parts only, roughly chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed 3 cups butternut or other squash, cubed 2 pounds white, red, or sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½-inch pieces 3 cups white or green tea 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 2 bay leaves 3 sprigs fresh thyme 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 cup heavy cream, coconut milk, or other nut milk Chives or green onions/scallions, finely chopped, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Melt butter or oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add leeks and garlic and cook, stirring regularly until soft and wilted, about 10 minutes. 2. Add potatoes and squash, tea, broth, bay leaves, thyme, spices, and salt and pepper to pot and bring to a boil. Cover and turn the heat down to low. Simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are very soft. 3. Remove thyme sprig and bay leaves.

Purée the soup with a standard or handheld immersion blender until smooth.

4. Add heavy cream, coconut, or other plant-based milk, and bring to a simmer.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If soup is too thin, simmer until thickened. If too thick, add water or stock to thin it out. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Recipe adapted from: onceuponachef.com/ recipes/potato-leek-soup.html

SALAD DRESSINGS & SAUCES

Ginger Honey Maple Apple Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS: 4 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar 4-6 Tablespoons Assam black tea, white tea, or chamomile herbal tea 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons maple syrup and/or honey 2/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil ¾ teaspoon fresh grated or ginger powder 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg 1/3 teaspoon cloves ¾ teaspoon horseradish or cayenne for a spicy kick ¼ teaspoon sea salt One or two twists of freshly-ground crushed pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Whisk ingredients together in a bowl or jar. 2. Refrigerate for prolonged storage.

Recipe adapted from: spoonfulofplants.com/favorite-fall-salad-dressing/

Ginger Orange Chai (Bourbon) BBQ

INGREDIENTS: ½ cup ketchup 3 Tablespoons chai black tea or other black tea, pu-erh, or oolong 3 Tablespoons cider vinegar 1½ tablespoons juice from fresh orange 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2-3 teaspoons fresh grated or ginger powder 1½ teaspoons fresh orange zest Sea salt and ground pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine glaze ingredients to brush on meat and vegetables throughout grilling.

Recipe adapted from: marthastewart.com/1004533/easy-bbq-glaze

Tea lovers rejoice, and enjoy utilizing your favorite teas in your favorite dishes this fall. Experiment with different teas and find your favorites. Let your senses be your guide. Always a time for tea! Happy fall, y’all!

LLA

JUST 10 MINUTES FROM WINSTON-SALEM 336.945.2076

Call us or go to lewisvillelaser.com to schedule.