Bacon Wrapped Apricot with Basil on a Chopstick

YIELD: 24 appetizers

24 small fresh basil leaves
24 large dried apricots
16 slices bacon
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
stainless steel chopstick, for serving

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Place one basil leaf on each apricot, folded if needed, wrap with a piece of bacon, and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
2. Bake until the bacon is beginning to crisp, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Remove from oven and brush with the maple syrup. Serve with stainless steel chopstick as skewer.

Recipe: Barbara Sieger, assistant director of catering, Vanderbilt Campus Dining, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN