Embark on an extraordinary culinary adventure with a dish that promises to captivate your palate: Apples on Horseback. This exceptional appetizer masterfully combines the natural sweetness of crisp apples, the smoky allure of bacon, and a vibrant kick of jalapeño cream cheese. Far from a mere snack, this sophisticated yet approachable creation delivers a symphony of flavors and textures, perfectly balancing sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Ideal for any festive gathering, from a casual Friendsgiving to an elegant holiday soirée, these delectable bites are guaranteed to be a memorable centerpiece, leaving your guests utterly delighted and craving more.
The Heart of Community: Our Annual Friendsgiving Tradition
This past weekend marked a truly special occasion for our Denver Village – our third annual Friendsgiving celebration. For Mr. B and me, the Denver Village isn’t just a group of acquaintances; it’s our chosen family, a tight-knit community of friends who enrich our lives in countless ways. From hitting the ski slopes and exploring Denver’s vibrant culinary scene to sharing meals, offering babysitting support, and simply navigating life’s everyday adventures, this group forms the bedrock of our local support system.
Each year, our Friendsgiving tradition unfolds with cherished rituals. We gather at a friend’s home, where laughter and camaraderie fill the air. A spirited game of football, both on the field and watched on screen, sets a lively tone. The kitchen becomes a bustling hub of activity as we collaborate on an abundance of delicious food. More than just a feast, it’s a precious time for reflection and gratitude, especially for those invaluable “no questions asked” friendships that stand the test of time and circumstance. Living far from our biological families, the Village has become our indispensable second family, a source of unwavering support through thick and thin. Whether it’s brainstorming business ideas, tackling home improvement projects, sharing weeknight meals, or finding a supportive ear when life throws a curveball, we rely on each other for virtually everything. I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by friends who inspire me, challenge me, and celebrate every triumph and struggle alongside me.
Introducing “App-giving”: A Creative Twist on Holiday Feasting
As I mentioned, our Friendsgiving feasts are legendary for their bounty, often resulting in an abundance of delightful leftovers. This year, we’ve been playfully contemplating a fresh and innovative approach for future gatherings: an “App-giving.” Imagine a celebration entirely dedicated to appetizers, a fantastic way to diverge from the traditional roast bird and embrace a more creative, diverse, and perhaps less labor-intensive culinary experience. An App-giving encourages everyone to bring their most inventive and crave-worthy small bites, transforming the meal into an exciting culinary journey through various flavors and textures.
And if you’ll indulge my enthusiasm without rolling your eyes at my “over-achiever” tendencies, I already know exactly what I’d bring to an App-giving that would steal the show!
Apples on Horseback: A Recipe Transformed with a Zesty Twist
The inspiration for this sensational appetizer struck me while flipping through a Food & Wine Magazine. The original recipe, which called for dates wrapped in bacon, immediately captured my imagination. While the classic version is undoubtedly delicious, I envisioned a twist that would elevate it to new heights. My innovation? Replacing the dates with crisp, sweet apples. This simple substitution introduces a wonderful textural contrast and a brighter, fruitier note that perfectly complements the savory bacon. But I didn’t stop there. I added my signature “CGM touch” – a hint of heat and creaminess from jalapeño cream cheese, which truly transforms this dish into an explosion of flavor. Wrap all these incredible components in crispy bacon, and you have an appetizer that is truly unforgettable – a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory that lights up every taste bud. It’s the ideal bite for an App-giving, a Friendsgiving, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Decoding the Deliciousness: The Perfect Harmony of Ingredients
What makes Apples on Horseback with Jalapeño Cream Cheese so utterly irresistible? It’s the thoughtful interplay of each component:
- The Apple Foundation: Choosing the right apple is key. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work beautifully due to their firm texture and balanced sweetness. When baked, they soften slightly, caramelizing at the edges and providing a refreshing, juicy counterpoint to the richness of the bacon and cream cheese. Their natural acidity cuts through the fat, ensuring each bite is bright and never heavy.
- The Jalapeño Cream Cheese Core: This is where the magic truly happens. Cream cheese provides a luxuriously smooth and tangy base, while finely diced jalapeños introduce a lively, piquant warmth. The beauty of this element is its versatility – you can control the spice level by deciding whether to include the jalapeño seeds and ribs (for more heat) or remove them entirely (for a milder flavor). This creamy, zesty filling melts slightly as it bakes, creating an irresistible pocket of flavor.
- The Bacon Embrace: Crispy, salty bacon is the ultimate wrapping. As it bakes, the bacon renders its fat, infusing the apple and cream cheese with smoky, savory notes. It becomes perfectly crisp, adding a crucial textural crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the tender apple and creamy cheese. Opt for good quality, thinly sliced bacon for the best results, as it will crisp up beautifully without becoming too chewy.
Together, these ingredients create a captivating sensory experience: the initial crunch of bacon, followed by the juicy snap of apple, and finally, the creamy, spicy embrace of the jalapeño cheese. It’s a sophisticated flavor profile packed into an easy-to-manage bite, making it a crowd-pleaser that effortlessly elevates any occasion.
Exciting News: On Air with Colorado and Company!
And now, for some truly exciting news! Yours truly will be making a special appearance on the Colorado and Company show this coming Friday at 10 AM on Channel 9 News. Get ready, because I’ll be sharing all things eggs! I’m thrilled to be whipping up three delicious, egg-centric recipes that are perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Whether you’re planning a festive brunch or looking for innovative ways to incorporate high-quality ingredients into your holiday spread, these recipes are sure to inspire.
Partnering with Happy Egg Co.: Elevating Your Holiday Dishes
My recipes for the show will feature the exceptional quality of Happy Egg Co. eggs. If you think you know eggs, prepare to be surprised! Happy Egg Co. is renowned for producing some of the highest quality free-range eggs available. Their commitment to ethical farming practices and the well-being of their hens results in eggs that are not only superior in taste but also boast vibrant, deep golden yolks, indicative of their excellent nutritional profile and the happy lives of the chickens. These aren’t just any eggs; they are a premium ingredient that can truly elevate your cooking, adding richness, flavor, and beautiful color to every dish. I encourage you to visit their website for more details and discover the difference that truly happy, free-range eggs can make in your culinary creations.
(image provided by Happy Egg Co.)
Apples on Horseback with Jalapeno Cream Cheese
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
1 apple (any kind you like, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), cut into eight wedges
4 slices bacon, sliced in half
4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 jalapeno, deseeded and finely diced (adjust to desired spice level)
Toothpicks
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the finely diced jalapeños. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4. Take one apple wedge and place it on the far end of a bacon slice.
5. Dollop approximately one teaspoon of the jalapeño cream cheese mixture onto the side of the apple wedge.
6. Carefully wrap the bacon slice around the apple wedge, ensuring the cream cheese is held in place.
7. Secure the bacon-wrapped apple bite with a toothpick to hold it together during baking.
8. Place the prepared apple bite on the baking sheet. Repeat this process until all apple wedges are wrapped and ready for baking.
9. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is beautifully crispy and the apples have softened slightly. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven and bacon thickness.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, sweet, spicy, and savory flavors!
Adapted from a recipe originally found in Food & Wine Magazine, with a special spicy twist.
All images and text ©Lauren Grier for The Curious Plate
A Culinary Triumph for Every Occasion
As you gather with loved ones, celebrating friendship and the joys of good food, remember the delightful simplicity and incredible flavor of Apples on Horseback, elevated by a kick of jalapeño cream cheese. This appetizer isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, a sweet and spicy symphony that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Whether it’s the star of your next Friendsgiving, a sophisticated bite for a holiday cocktail party, or a creative addition to an “App-giving” feast, these bacon-wrapped apple treasures are sure to be a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire. Don’t just serve food; create memories with every perfect, flavor-packed bite.