Devils on horseback facts for kids
Bacon-wrapped, almond-stuffed dates
|
|
| Course | Hors d'oeuvre or savoury |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Main ingredients | Dried fruit (especially dates), chutney, bacon |
Devils on horseback are a yummy snack from the United Kingdom. They are made from dried fruit, like prunes or dates, wrapped in crispy bacon. Sometimes, these treats are stuffed with other tasty things like cheese or almonds.
After being wrapped, they are usually fried or baked until the bacon is crispy. People often serve them on toast with chutney or mustard. They make a great appetizer (a small dish before the main meal) or a savoury snack.
What's in a Name?
The name "Devils on horseback" is a bit of a mystery! One idea is that they are called "devils" because they are often served very hot. The earliest mention of this dish was in 1885.
Some people have a fun story that the name came from old Norman raiders. They supposedly wore bacon over their armor to scare villagers! However, this story only appeared recently, in 2008. The dish itself is much older, dating back to the 1800s. So, the Norman raider story is just a fun myth!
How Are They Made?
Devils on horseback are a bit like another dish called "Angels on horseback." Angels on horseback are oysters wrapped in bacon. For devils on horseback, the oysters are replaced with dried fruit.
There are many ways to make them! The most common way is to use a prune (a dried plum) wrapped in bacon. But you can also use dates. Sometimes, the fruit is soaked in brandy or another special liquid before being wrapped.
People often stuff the fruit with different ingredients. Popular choices include cheese, almonds, or other kinds of nuts. These delicious snacks are a popular treat, especially around Christmas.
