Seattle: Fancy Starbucks and Bacon Wrapped Dates

I must say that I love the living-room inspired Starbucks that I have seen out in Washington. This particular location is on NW Gilman Blvd in Issaquah and I call it the fancy Starbucks.

In addition to the drinks you love, they serve wine and small plates appetizers. They have live music on the weekends and an overall family room feel, like having coffee or drinks at Pottery Barn. The floorplan is spacious and I really enjoy stopping in.

Their bacon-wrapped dates are all you will ever need. Yum yum yum. Starbuck's can roll this menu out nationwide any time they want - I'm ready.

Shell Toothpicks and Bacon-wrapped Dates

These toothpicks are almost too pretty to use!  I bought this beautiful set of (real!) seashell-topped toothpicks at a little shop in Florida and I can't wait to put them out at my next little party.  The WONDERFUL news is now I can direct you to a place online to buy shell-topped toothpicks for your house! One of my favorite places now offer shell-topped toothpicks - get some at Fancy Flours today. 

I am planning on serving bacon-wrapped dates as a hearty appetizer.  This appetizer is always a hit - each bite is sticky, sweet, salty and savory all at once! 

Bacon-wrapped Dates

You cut a slice of raw bacon into 3 equal pieces (2-3 inches long) and then wrap each piece around a whole pitted dried date.  Place the seam side down on a slotted broiler pan - be sure to have the broiler pan base on as well to catch the drippings.  The dents in the pan are perfect for resting each date in, seam side down, this will keep the bacon snug around the date.  (*If the bacon starts to unfurl, give in a use a standard toothpick to secure.)

Broil a few minutes and then, using tongs, turn each date over and broil on the other side until the bacon is completely cooked - approx 4 minutes on each side.

Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on a small ceramic dish and serve with shell topped toothpicks for an appetizer that is beautiful, interesting and delicious!