Devils on Horseback

"Devils on Horseback" is an old favourite of British festive tables and cocktail parties – tiny yet striking bites in which sweet prunes meet salty, smoky bacon.

1. Soak the prunes in hot water for 10 minutes so they soften, then pat them dry with paper towel.

2. If they still have stones in them, carefully remove them, so the filling fits.

3. Push a toasted almond or a pinch of feta cheese into each prune.

4. Wrap half a slice of smoked bacon around each and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.

5. Secure them with a toothpick so they do not unroll during baking.

6. Bake them on a baking-paper-lined tray at 200 °C for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway, until the bacon crisps up.

Tip: The contrast of sweet prunes and salty, smoky bacon is the essence – serve them warm, because once cold the bacon hardens.