By Gigi Schulze

As unusual as this recipe may seem, it does taste so good. It’s one of the many "tapas" I have tried in a tapas bar called Ciudad Condal, in bella Barcelona! This is my version though, of what I thought those mysterious looking morsels were made up of. But truly, to die for gid ya… This one is definitely for my NDB neighbor Edouard Garcia, who is just so into entertaining, and has taken a hand in personally cooking for his intimate get togethers!!!

MYSTERIOUS DATE WRAPS

24 pcs Dates (pitted); 2 pcs Chorizos (el Rey or Noreiense)

6 long rashers Bacon (Virginia Farms, cut into 4 segments each)

1/3 cup flour; 1 cup fine bread crumbs (Olsen’s or Marby’s)

Cooking oil; 1 Egg (beaten)

6 wooden toothpicks (cut into 4 segments each)

PROCEDURE:

1.) Peel off skin of chorizos if any and cut lengthwise to come up with 4 long strips for each chorizo. Cut into 24 pieces and stuff each date with the chorizo. Wrap each chorizo with a piece of bacon and secure with a piece of toothpick.

2.) Dredge in flour and then dip into the egg and finally, roll in breadcrumbs. Please do not use Japanese bread crumbs. Heat up a big "sarten" and pour in your cooking oil, enough to sort of, deep fry the wraps.

3.) When oil is very hot, lower the fire and start dropping in the dates. Cook only until golden brown. Transfer immediately to paper towels and drain.

TIPS:

- Serve while still warm.

- This goes very well with a bottle of Merlot or even a cold bottle of fruity Riesling.

Enjoy your Mysterious Wraps, and a big hug from the Red Hot Mama!!!