Bacon wrapped blue cheese dates

I'm not going to lie, this is a little labor intensive project, but the reward is well worth it.  The combination of salty/savory/sweet is a perfect balance.

I had a party last night and ended up making 40 of these guys, but you don't really need to measure anything.

• Dates, pitted and sliced down the middle
• Bacon
• Blue cheese

Stuff the dates with a little bit of blue cheese and wrap with bacon, securing with a toothpick.  I cut a slice of bacon into thirds.

Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven on a rack on a cookie sheet so the grease drips down into the cookie sheet.  Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until bacon is crispy.  Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Goat cheese "risotto"

• 6 cups of cauliflower, riced
• 1/2 red onion, sliced thin
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
• 1-2 cups of chicken stock
• 4 ounces goat cheese 

In a large saute pan, add the oil, garlic and onions and saute over medium heat until tender (about 5 minutes).  Add the cauliflower rice and let get a little brown (about 2-3 minutes).  Add the chicken stock (I used 1.5 cups, so start with 1 cup and add as needed) and increase the heat a bit until you get a low boil, then bring down to low.  Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, and add the goat cheese in and stir.  Resume cooking another 10-20 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.  Salt and pepper to taste.

*Note-the goat cheese is a subtle flavor here, but it was perfect for me.  If you want more of the tangy flavor, add another ounce or two!

Goat cheese stuffed mushroom

OMG, LOVE!  2 of my favorite things (mushrooms and goat cheese) together as one.

• 1 large portabello mushroom cap, stem and gills removed
• Goat cheese

• In the cap of the mushroom, spread some goat cheese and stick under the broiler until the top is browned.  Remove from broiler and put in a skillet over medium heat and cover for 5 or so minutes (until the mushroom is tender)

Super yum sandwiches

This sandwich couldn't be more simple and more yummy! (And sorry, I didn't take a picture and well, you know me, no measurements).

• 3 ounces cooked, shredded chicken breast (I poached mine, it came out super moist)
• Frank's Red Hot Sauce (maybe about 1 tablespoon? I just add enough until I think it's enough)
• 1 slice provolone cheese
• 1 sesame seed hoagie roll (or whatever bread you have on hand)

Mix the hot sauce with chicken and spread evenly on the sub bun, open faced. Top with cheese and put under the broiler for a couple of minutes until the cheese starts to brown.

Super good!