Elvis on Horseback

Elvis on horseback was an app at a short lived restaurant called St. Charles Exchange. It and she crab soup stick in the memory of my one and only visit. We were surprised when it closed, because it wasn’t for lack of good food. Years later I still can’t get it out of my head.

Evolution of Things on Horseback

Bacon wrapped oysters, called Angels on Horseback were extremely popular in the 19th century. When pollution of oyster beds began at the turn of the century, they became more expensive and restaurants were forced to seek alternatives. Dates became a substitute and the evolutionary process continued when cheese and almonds became part of the recipe. Realizing that they needed a new catchy name, and with imagination bursting at the seams, they coined Devils on Horseback. Hear me now and believe me later, but that’s the true story.

So How did Elvis get involved?

Good question! A chef in Lou-uh-vull, Kentucky got the itch to keep tinkering, so he stuffed the dates with peanut butter and added banana bourbon viniagrette. What was his inspiration? Elvis Presley’s favorite peanut butter and banana sandwich. Elvis on Horseback was born.

A Little Info About Dates

If you are unfamiliar with dates, they’re the fruit of the date palm that flowers in bunches atop 70 foot tall trees. They are widely cultivated across Northern Africa and the Middle East specifically for the fruit.

Healthy Eating?

Dates are very sweet, particularly after being dried because it concentrates the sugar. I’m not sure you want to know how much sugar is in a date, but I’m going to tell you anyway. A single date has about 16 grams and is between 70-80% sugar. Only two will give you your maximum recommended daily allowance. Now, before you decide you will never eat a(nother) date, it’s important to know the rest of the story. Each date also has almost two grams of fiber and the sugar is mostly glucose and fructose which gives it a low glycemic index. Whew, safe – in moderation.

Other Breeds of Devils

Bacon wrapped dates lend themselves to nearly unlimited variations. Feel free to experiment and substitute anything your heart desires, and remember, if it looks good eat it!