Fall Luncheon featuring Natural Delights Medjool Dates

In true fashion... I'm way behind on posting to the blog. I know that technically it's not fall anymore (happy first day of winter), but I still wanted to share about an amazing luncheon I attended last month featuring Natural Delights Medjool Dates. 

Pearleen of Mega Yummo was the "hostess with the mostest" and had an amazing feast planned for local food bloggers and foodies alike! Prior to her luncheon I can honestly say I had never had dates before (I know... gasp)! I can honestly say that I'm a new lover and since then have been finding new recipes that include this delectable fruit!

Look at the amazing menu that was put together for this event. We had 4 Hors d'oeuvres and a 5 course meal that was also paired with craft beers and wine! 

As you can tell we started the afternoon with four very unique hors d'oeuvres. 

I absolutely loved the crostini with Brie, Dates, and Toasted Walnuts!

I loved the Chèvre-Stuffed Natural Delight Medjool Dates with Pomegranate Molasses & Chili Oil. 

Here is Mega Yummo in all her silliness brining out more amazing appetizers! Photographing her is Julius from Droolius.com 

By far these were my favorite dish of the afternoon! The sweet and savory pair so well! You can find the recipe for Bacon Wrapped Chorizo-Stuffed Natural Delight Dates w/ Piquillo Pepper Sauce. The bacon for these little gems was provided by a local food truck, Big Wheel Provisions. They actually cure their own bacon. I can tell you first hand (being a bacon lover) that it was amazing!

 I could have eaten the entire plate of the Date & Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Flat Bread. It had a perfect balance of smooth flavors. I think the only thing that could have made this better was adding a little bacon to it! 

The Apple & Endive Salad had another sweet and savory mix to it. The homemade dressing complimented it perfectly! 

Mega Yummo brought out the third course, which was a Pan Fried Quail with dates glazed sweet soy. It was paired with sweet potatoes and arugula. Since I'm not a huge meat eater I opted for the salad portion. I still had the chance to taste the flavors of the quail on the salad and it was to die for! Mrs. Mega Yummo and her mom created the sauce after a few experimental go arounds and I think it was just perfect! 

For dessert we had a semi-homemade ice cream with rum dates topped with home-made maple candied pecans. This was to die for! 

To top the amazing luncheon off we got to walk away with some amazing swag! 

So have you ever tried dates before? What do you think of them? 

Disclaimer: I received a free meal and free swag from Natural Delights Medjool Dates; however, all opinions are 100% my own!