I Couldn't Resist

My fingernails have grown long again. That means time has passed. It's a beautiful day outside and my apartment is about thirty below zero. Zack didn't have to go into work today until 4 o'clock so we managed to fit in what felt like a full days worth of living before he headed out. There is an amazing nature trail just a couple blocks up from our apartment which we've only just recently visited, probably out of fear of steep inclines and physical exertion. Thankfully the trail is quite flat after all and ripe with the glowing green goodness of nature. I hardly believe it exists.

Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese

Zack and I had our first taste of bacon wrapped dates around Christmas time last year while visiting family in New York. We've both had them on our minds since then and at last we made them on Mother's Day to take to a family BBQ. They were a big success.



The recipe is as easy as it sounds and you can make as many or as little as you want.

BACON WRAPPED DATES STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE

-bacon (I prefer applewood smoked)
-dates
-crumbled goat cheese

Preheat oven to 500. Cut a slit through the side of each date, lengthwise and stuff a few crumbs of goat cheese inside. Then wrap half a piece of bacon (cut horizontally) around the date and pin with a toothpick. The recipe I used didn't mention a toothpick, but I found that it helped keep the bacon in place while providing an easy way to pick up the sticky, greasy, delight.
Also, some recipes recommend stuffing a toasted almond inside the date as well which I think I might try next time.


The weather has finally warmed and I am basking in the golden sunlight and fresh campy smells on walks through the neighborhood. WALKS!

Mother's day was spent at my half brother John's house. No, my mother was not there, but his was along with my sister Genevieve, Roberto the little priest, Zack, and a shelf full of liquor. I wish more family events involved martinis and cosmos. I guess that's why I moved to Oregon.

Here are some photos from the day, in abstract::

loving you is easy cause you're beau-ti-ful.

This is cool.