RECIPE: Date & Bacon Toast

Let's toast to the delightful union of tangy sourdough, creamy goat cheese, rich date syrup, crispy bacon, and fresh dill in a harmonious symphony of flavors. This brunch toast is a celebration of contrasts, where the savory meets the sweet and the crunchy meets the creamy.

Serves: 2-4

Ingredients
Date Syrup

• 1/2 cup dried, pitted medjool dates

• 1 cup water

• pinch of salt

Whipped Goat Cheese

• 4 oz goat cheese, softened at room temperature

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

• Pinch of salt

Toast

• 4 slices thick sourdough bread, toasted with olive oil and butter

• 4 oz whipped goat cheese

• 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

• 2 tablespoons date syrup

• Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish

• Salt to taste

  Directions:

  Date Syrup

  1. Place dates in 1 cup of boiling water and allow to sit for 30 minutes.

  2. Transfer mixture to a blender or food processor, blend until smooth. Add water as needed if the mixture is too thick.

  3. Strain through 2 layers of cheesecloth and serve as is with a pinch of salt or reduce in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Adjust sweetness as needed.

  Whipped Goat Cheese

  1. In a mixing bowl, add the softened goat cheese, heavy cream or milk, and honey (if using).

  2. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the ingredients together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

  3. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more cream or milk, a teaspoon at a time

  Assembly

  1. Divide the whipped goat cheese across the 4 pieces of toast. Top with crispy bacon crumbles, date syrup, fresh dill, and a sprinkle of salt.