I remember the first time I tried Mary Berry’s Devils on Horseback. It was at a family gathering, and I was tasked with bringing a savory snack. I didn’t want to just throw together something basic. I wanted something special. So I decided to try this recipe, knowing that Mary Berry’s name alone promised a foolproof dish.
When I placed the dish on the table, I was met with excited comments and curious glances. The combination of bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with almonds was an immediate hit. The sweetness of the date combined with the salty, savory bacon was magic. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress-whether it’s a cozy dinner or a festive gathering.
It’s simple, yet feels indulgent. Perfect for entertaining. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious treat, starting with what you need!
Mary Berry Devils On Horseback Recipe
This recipe is one of those perfect examples of how few ingredients can deliver big flavor.
Here’s how you make Mary Berry’s Devils on Horseback:
- Dates: Medjool dates are the best choice. They’re naturally sweet and soft, making them easy to stuff and wrap.
- Bacon: Thin-cut streaky bacon works wonders because it crisps up beautifully when cooked.
- Almonds: Whole almonds give a nice crunch and work well with the sweetness of the dates.
- A hint of sweetness: Some versions add a bit of honey or brown sugar on top, but Mary Berry’s basic recipe lets the date and bacon speak for themselves.
Ingredients Needed
When it comes to ingredients, there’s no need for anything fancy. What makes this dish shine is its simplicity:
- Medjool Dates (around 12-15 depending on the number of guests)
- Streaky Bacon (about 12-15 slices)
- Whole Almonds (roughly one almond per date)
- Optional: A little honey or brown sugar for sweetness
- Olive Oil or Butter for greasing (just a little to help the bacon crisp)
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything too complicated to make these. All you’ll need is:
- Baking Tray: To lay out the wrapped dates
- Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier
- Knife: For cutting bacon to size
- Toothpicks or Skewers: To secure the bacon around the dates (optional, but recommended)
How To Make Mary Berry Devils On Horseback?
Here’s how to bring these little bites of heaven to life:
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 200°C (or 180°C fan) and let it warm up while you prepare everything.
- Prepare the dates: Slice the dates open lengthwise. Remove the pits carefully. You want them to remain intact, so take your time. Once the pit is removed, stuff each date with a whole almond.
- Wrap with bacon: Lay your streaky bacon flat on a cutting board. Cut each slice in half to make them easier to wrap around the dates. Wrap each stuffed date in bacon, ensuring that it’s snug but not too tight. Secure it with a toothpick if needed.
- Arrange on a baking tray: Lay the bacon-wrapped dates out on the tray. They shouldn’t be overcrowded so the bacon can crisp evenly.
- Bake: Pop them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon turns golden and crispy. You can turn them halfway through to ensure an even crisp.
- Optional glaze: For extra sweetness, brush a little honey or sprinkle some brown sugar over the dates 5 minutes before they’re done. It adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful caramelized finish.
Once they’re cooked, remove the toothpicks, and serve hot. Simple, right?
Recipe Variations
Mary Berry’s version is simple, but there are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried:
- Cheese Stuffing: Add a small piece of soft cheese (like blue cheese or goat cheese) along with the almond in the date for a creamier, tangier flavor.
- Smoked Bacon: For a deeper, smokier flavor, opt for smoked bacon. It pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the dates.
- Chili Flakes: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the bacon before wrapping it. The heat from the chili adds a lovely contrast to the sweet dates.
- Herbs: Try stuffing the dates with a tiny sprig of rosemary or thyme for a more aromatic twist.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the dates once they’re out of the oven for a rich, tangy finish.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Devils On Horseback?
These little bites are already packed with flavor, but if you’re wondering what to serve them with, here are a few ideas:
- A Glass of Wine: A chilled glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the saltiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the dates.
- Salad: Pair them with a light, refreshing salad to balance the richness. Something with greens, nuts, and a vinaigrette would work well.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, particularly soft ones like brie or goat cheese, would complement the Devils on Horseback perfectly.
- Crisp Breads: Serve these with some crusty bread or crackers for a bit of crunch and texture alongside the soft dates.
- Charcuterie Board: These would make a great addition to a charcuterie platter with meats like prosciutto, chorizo, and even some olives.
What I Have Learnt
Making Mary Berry’s Devils on Horseback taught me a few key lessons:
- Less is more: With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something utterly delicious. The key is choosing high-quality dates and bacon.
- Timing matters: Baking them until the bacon crisps up just right is crucial. Too little, and you get soggy bacon. Too much, and the dates dry out.
- Flexibility: This recipe is incredibly forgiving. You can mix things up depending on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. The basic formula of dates, bacon, and an optional filling is a great foundation to play with.
- Impressing guests: This recipe consistently draws praise. It’s one of those dishes where you don’t need to be a professional chef to make something that looks and tastes gourmet.
FAQs
What Are Devils On Horseback In Mary Berry’s Recipe?
In Mary Berry’s recipe, Devils on Horseback are a type of appetizer made by wrapping pitted dates in bacon and then baking or grilling them. The bacon adds a savory, crispy texture, while the dates offer a sweet, rich flavor. Some variations also include a stuffing or seasoning, but the classic version typically features just dates and bacon.
Can I Make Mary Berry’s Devils On Horseback Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare Mary Berry’s Devils on Horseback ahead of time. You can wrap the dates in bacon and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake or grill them as per the recipe instructions. This makes them a convenient option for party platters or holiday gatherings.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Meat Instead Of Bacon For Mary Berry’s Devils On Horseback Recipe?
Yes, while bacon is the traditional choice in Mary Berry’s Devils on Horseback recipe, you can substitute it with prosciutto or another type of thinly sliced cured meat for a different flavor. However, it’s important to ensure that the substitute meat is still able to crisp up when cooked, as that contributes to the texture and overall experience of the dish.