She Strengthens

Savory Meets Sweet: The Unlikely Pairing of Bacon and Prunes

When it comes to party snacks, it’s hard to resist the allure of crispy, savory, and sweet combinations. One unexpected duo that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters is the humble prune wrapped in smoky bacon.

A Match Made in Heaven

The sweetness of the prunes, infused with the richness of port wine and sugar, pairs perfectly with the smoky, salty flavor of the bacon. This British-inspired snack is an easy crowd-pleaser, requiring minimal effort but yielding maximum flavor.

Prepare Ahead of Time

To get started, steep the dried prunes in a mixture of port wine and sugar, allowing them to soak up the flavors. This step can be done well in advance, making it a convenient option for busy hosts.

Assembly and Baking

Once your prunes are ready, simply wrap a slice of uncooked bacon around each one, securing it with a toothpick. Place the prunes on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake in a hot oven until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.

Experiment with Flavors

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by adding your own twist. Try stuffing the prunes with blue cheese or toasted walnuts before wrapping them in bacon for an added layer of flavor.

Recipe Details

Yield: 30 pieces
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 40 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 30 pitted prunes (about 8 ounces)
• 1 cup tawny port
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 10 thin slices smoky bacon, cut crosswise into thirds
• 30 toothpicks, soaked in water for at least 15 minutes

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 500°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
2. Combine the prunes, port, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the port thickens into a loose syrup, about 15 minutes.
4. Let cool slightly, then drain the prunes of excess syrup.
5. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, then set a cooling rack over the foil.
6. Wrap a piece of bacon around each prune and secure with a toothpick. Place the prunes at least 1 inch apart on the cooling rack.
7. Bake for 7 minutes, then flip the prunes with tongs and continue to bake until crispy, about 7 to 9 minutes more.
8. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Cool slightly before serving.