Water Chestnuts wrapped with Bacon

I’m always looking for new appetizers.  I like making them for get-togethers but, sometimes I can just make them to take for lunch a few days in a row.  Maybe that’s strange but, that’s how I roll 😉  This is definitely not a “new” appetizer but, one of my all-time favorites.  If you haven’t had these, you must have a party (even if for one) and whip up a batch of these morsels of love. 

My friend Kathy used to make these when she had poker parties.  I don’t know how I ever played cards because I was always in the kitchen eating.  Or maybe it was my game plan all along.  Eat and let everyone else drink, then slide into my chair and start playing poker.  Act like I’m confused at the game and get everyone to “up” the ante because they think they are going to take my money, then like a snake, I attacked!  I laid out my winning hand and took all their money…while cracking up at them and how clever I was.   Yep, this appetizer brings back memories 😉

Water Chestnuts wrapped with Bacon

1 lb. of bacon
2 cans of whole water chestnuts
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 t. worcestershire sauce
1 c. ketchup
1 T. garlic spread
1 t. sriracha (or more to taste)

35 toothpicks – soaked in water for 30 minutes before using them.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cut bacon strips in half.  Wrap a chestnut in a half piece of bacon.  Secure with a toothpick.  Place wrapped chestnuts in a glass 13 x 9 pan and put in the oven.  Cook for 30 minutes and drain the grease.

While cooking the first 30 minutes combine the brown sugar, worcestershire, ketchup, garlic spread and sriracha in a medium bowl.  Stir until well combined.

After draining the grease pour the prepared sauce over the bacon wraps.

Return to the oven for an additional 20-30 minutes.  Serve warm and use extra sauce for dipping.

Makes approximately 34 wraps.