Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates

Ingredients:

• 6-8 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, using more or less to taste
• 12 plump Medjool dates, pitted and torn
• 1 log (10 ounce) creamy goat cheese, at room temperature
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On the baking sheet, toss together the bacon, 1 tablespoon rosemary, the brown sugar, 1 teaspoon honey, and the cayenne. Arrange in an even layer. Tear the dates and scatter them around the bacon. Bake 8-10 minutes, until the bacon is crisping.
3. Meanwhile, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy. The goat cheese mix can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, but bring to room temp before serving.
4. In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup honey, 1 tablespoon rosemary, a pinch of cayenne – to taste, and a pinch of salt.
5. Spoon the goat cheese into a serving bowl and then top with the warm bacon and dates. Drizzle over a little the rosemary honey. Serve with bread or crackers.
   

   Sweet and Tangy Asian Meatballs

   

Ingredients:

• 1 (around 30 count size)bag frozen meatballs
• 2/3 cup Hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2½ teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional garnish)
• fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1. Bake the meatballs according to package directions.
2. While the meatballs are in the oven, prepare the sauce.
3. In a large deep fry pan (mine is non-stick) set over medium heat, combine Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and Sriracha sauce. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove the meatballs from the oven. Add meatballs to pan with sauce and gently roll to coat with sauce. Let meat balls simmer in sauce on low for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to move meatballs around.
5. For appetizer, serve garnished on a platter or bowl with toothpicks. If you have extra sauce, pour it in a bowl for dipping.
6. For meal, serve meatballs in a bowl covered in extra sauce and garnished alongside a bowl of rice and favorite veggie.

You can find more information on the recipes here:
Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates
Sweet and Tangy Asian Meatballs