Fake Rumaki
Sweet and savory bites combining dates, water chestnuts, and bacon, glazed with orange marmalade. Perfect as appetizers for parties or gatherings seeking a flavorful finger food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wrap each date and water chestnut with a half strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until bacon is crispy.
- Remove from oven and brush with orange marmalade while still warm.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using prosciutto instead of bacon for a richer flavor. If you're looking for a lower-fat option, turkey bacon works well but may require a longer cooking time to achieve crispiness. Make sure to soak your toothpicks in water for 30 minutes prior to wrapping, which helps prevent burning in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
These Fake Rumaki make an excellent appetizer for parties or game day. Serve them alongside a tangy dipping sauce or pair with hearty sides like Godwinsville Collard Greens for a well-rounded meal. They also complement cocktails beautifully, making them a perfect finger food for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwave reheating for best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fake Rumaki contains roughly 58 calories, with 0g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare Fake Rumaki ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the wrapped dates and water chestnuts a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This makes it easy to have them ready for entertaining without much last-minute effort.
What can I substitute for orange marmalade?
If you don't have orange marmalade, apricot jam or even a spicy pepper jelly can be great alternatives. Each will give a different flavor profile, so choose based on your preference for sweetness or heat.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace bacon with strips of marinated tempeh or tofu. Bake them until crispy and then follow the same steps for wrapping and brushing with marmalade for a delicious plant-based appetizer.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).