Bacon-Wrapped Apricots Stuffed with Pistachios and Mozzarella

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EmilyC says: I know, bacon-wrapped hors d'oeuvres have been done many times before. I've been throwing this canapé idea around in my head for some time but kept hesitating to make them, thinking they'd seem passé. I'm so glad I didn't listen to myself because they manage to be both familiar and unexpected, something that makes you stand back and take notice. Dried apricots are poached in a spiced vinegar, stuffed with pistachios and mozzarella, and then wrapped in bacon for a simple, unforgettable party snack. The smoky-salty bacon plays perfectly with the pickled apricots—and the pistachios and mozzarella lend a nice textural contrast. All components can be prepped in advance, and assembly is fun and easy. I've only made them in the oven but I think they'd take beautifully to the grill. They also meet my criteria for the ultimate party snack – they’re easy to pick up and eat in one bite while holding a cocktail! This recipe is infinitely adaptable, so feel free to play around. A few ideas: you could do a Spanish version by substituting serrano ham for bacon, manchego for mozzarella, and marcona almonds for pistachios. Or substitute dried figs for apricots, pancetta for bacon, and fontina for mozzarella. If you or your guests have nut allergies, simply omit the nuts.

Serves 8

  • ½ cup sherry vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 T brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon whole cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice berries
  • ¼ teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1” piece fresh ginger root, peeled
  • 3 2" pieces of orange peel
  • 24 dried apricots (about 1 cup)
  • 12 slices of bacon, cut in half crosswise (thin-sliced bacon recommended; applewood smoked bacon, if available, is delicious here)
  • 24 whole pistachios, shelled (or a slightly larger number of pistachio pieces)
  • 2 to 3 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4” slices, then into 1/4” to 1/2” cubes
  1. In a small saucepan, bring the vinegar, water, brown sugar, cloves, allspice berries, peppercorns, ginger root, and orange peel to a boil. Add apricots, and lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the apricots are soft and plumped up but not falling apart; they should have a definite pickled flavor at this point which will develop more fully as they cool. Remove from the heat and let them cool to room temperature in the pan.
  2. With a sharp paring knife, cut a small lengthwise slit on one side of each apricot, and gently pry them open. Stuff each one with a piece of cheese and a pistachio. Wrap a piece of bacon around each apricot – the bacon should overlap slightly (about ½ inch) so they hold together once cooked; trim the bacon if necessary. Transfer, overlap-side down, to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake the apricots until the bacon is browned and crispy, about 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate, put a toothpick in each one, and serve immediately.

Comments (18) Questions (0)

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about 1 year ago sdebrango

I am so glad you decided to make these, they sound really delicious I can just taste it right now. They are beautiful, and easy to manage and a truly creative canape. Great job!

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about 1 year ago EmilyC

You're very sweet sdebrango, thank you! I really loved how they turned out. They were my lunch one day (I know, maybe not the most virtuous of lunches!) so I'm looking forward to making them again as a true canape! : )

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about 1 year ago gingerroot

YUM! These little bites sound amazing. Sherry vinegar is one of my new favorite ingredients - to my palate, everything sparkles in your mouth when you use it. I will definitely have to try these soon.

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about 1 year ago EmilyC

Thanks gingerroot! I share your love for sherry vinegar -- I reach for it constantly! I'd love to know what you think if you try them. Next time I make them, I want to try them on the grill (on water-soaked skewers) -- I'm thinking they'd taste fabulous with a little smoky, grilled flavor!

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about 1 year ago lapadia

Amazing, sounds delish!!

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about 1 year ago EmilyC

Thanks so much, lapadia!

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about 1 year ago TheWimpyVegetarian

This sounds wonderful EmilyC!! I'll bet they're beautiful on the tray! And I love the idea of the apricots with the bacon. I'm going to have to have an appetizer party so I can make all these wonderful apps that were posted this week!!

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about 1 year ago EmilyC

Thanks so much ChezSuzanne, and you're right -- they do like really nice on the tray! And I'm right there with you -- you could throw a fantastic appetizer party using recipes from this week's contest. Be sure to let me know if you end up trying these!

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about 1 year ago fiveandspice

Emily is a trusted source on Scandinavian Cuisine.

This sounds so good EmilyC! Please pass the tray! I've made a sandwich with mozzarella, apricots, and pancetta before, so I know the flavors are good together, but with pickled Apricots?! That sounds amazing!

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about 1 year ago EmilyC

Thanks fiveandspice -- they're pretty addictive, I will tell you that! And now I want to try that sandwich you described -- yum! I can't wait to try your cinnamon sugar breakfast puffs, by the way. Knowing my weakness for sweets--and anything with brown butter--I have a feeling I'm going to have a hard time leaving them alone!

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about 1 year ago Midge

The pickled apricots alone sound so delicious. I can only imagine the whole package is sensational. When is your next cocktail party? ;)

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about 1 year ago EmilyC

Thanks, Midge, you're very kind! No cocktail parties on the horizon for us, but I'd really like to host one after seeing all of the great entries this week! : )

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about 1 year ago hardlikearmour

These sound amazing, and make me want to pickle some apricots!! Love the sweet, tangy, savory, cheesy, crunchy combo you've got going on.

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about 1 year ago EmilyC

Thanks HLA! I'd never pickled apricots before...they turned out really well. I tried a version of the canape with unpickled apricots but preferred the pickled ones hands down!

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about 1 year ago arielleclementine

these sound wonderful! i love dried apricots and bacon-wrapped anything- will have to try!

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about 1 year ago EmilyC

Thanks so much -- definitely let me know if you try them!

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about 1 year ago EmilyC

Thanks Summer of Eggplant! I'm a big fan of salty+sweet, too, and the spice and vinegar really come through as well.

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about 1 year ago Summer of Eggplant

This sounds quite interesting, I love salty + sweet.