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bacon wrapped apricots stuffed with pistachios and mozzarella

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Bacon-Wrapped Apricots Stuffed with Pistachios and Mozzarella

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.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sherry vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger root, cut into thin slices (no need to peel, but scrub well)
  • 3 2-inch pieces of orange peel
  • 24 dried apricots (about 1 cup)
  • 12 slices of bacon, cut in half crosswise (thinly-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 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch cubes

Directions

  • 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 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.
  • 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 (by about 1/2 inch) so they hold together once cooked. Trim the bacon if necessary. Transfer, overlap-side down, to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Preheat oven to 375° 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.

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