Devils on Horseback

Devils (or Devil) on Horseback

What does it mean? Who is it referring to? What is the history behind the phrase "Devils on Horseback" or "Devil on Horseback". The Halloween season with it's devils, goblins, witches and ghosts has brought it to mind and I thought some research was in order.

Below you will find the fruits of my research -- some explanations and history behind the phrase. Let's take a look...

A Traditional Appetizer

Definition #1

Devils on horseback are a hot appetizer or savoury.
Recipes vary but in general they are a 'darker' (and cheaper) version of angels on horseback. Most recipes contain a pitted prune (though dates are sometimes used) stuffed with mango chutney and wrapped in bacon. This is then baked in the oven and quite often served on toast, with watercress.
Other recipes stuff the prune with cheese in place of the mango chutney. Other versions again use liver pieces in place of the prunes.
Wikipedia Entry
Photo Credit to miss karen at Flickr

More Modern Recipe Featuring Shrimp

Which Devil?

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Other Definitions

Definition #2

According to Factopedia, Sausages wrapped in bacon have varous names as a dish, including "pigs in blankets" and "devils on horseback".
The interesting item in this instance is the origin of the devils on horseback name. It stems from Cornwall in the south of England at the turn of the last millenium, where Norman raiders would disguise themselves is suits of armour made by layering rashers of bacon.

This armour had many advantages; Primarily it's grotesque appearance was used to frighten villagers. Then, when the job was done, the armour could be cooked and eaten. Protection was roughly in the same class as leather armour depending on the thickness of the bacon.

"Devils on horseback" was the nickname of these bacon-clad warriors.

In Fiction Books

Definition #3

"Devils on Horseback is a Historical (Western) Romance series (4 so far) about a band of friends nicknamed "Devils on Horseback". The first in the series is titled "Nate". Published by Samhain Publishing in 2007.

Book two - "Jake"
Book three - "Zeke"
Book four - "Lee"

Nate by Beth Williamson

Nate (Devils on Horseback, Book 1)

Amazon Price: $7.25 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

Amidst the post-war chaos that rains down around them, a controlling man and a desperate woman must choose between life and love. Book One of the Devils on Horseback series Nate Marchand grew up as the only son of the town drunk. As a Confederate soldier, he found that order in the chaos was the only thing that kept him sane. Numbers, information, keeping everything in its proper place became second nature. The chaos of the war and its aftermath sent him into a rigid state that he couldn't seem to overcome. He and his friends, nicknamed Devils on Horseback, leave behind the aftermath of war to start fresh in the west. Their new business venture flounders and desperation drives them to take whatever work they can. The Devils are hired to remove the Taggert family from land claimed by Samuel O'Shea, the largest landowner in Grayton, Texas. When he meets Elisa Taggert, his entire world shifts beneath him. Attracted, bewildered, and off-kilter, Nate ignores his conscience in favor of his wallet. The simple task of removing a woman, a boy, and an old man, along with a small herd of cattle, resembles a Medieval siege. Nate wrestles with what he knows is right with what he must do. Will his love for Elisa overcome his need for survival?

The rest of the Series

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At the Movies

Definition #4

The Devil Came on Horseback 2007 movie starring Brian Steidle. Story line: An up-close, honest, and uncompromising look at the crisis in Darfur, THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK exposes the ongoing tragedy in Sudan as seen through the eyes of one American witness.



The Devil Came On Horseback



Devil on Horseback 1954/55 black and white film released by British Lion and staring Googy Withers, John McCallum and Jeremy Spenser. Story Line: Spenser is a young jockey whose head swells after a couple of victories. His arrogance is responsible for a horse's death and ex-jockey Redmond teaches the boy some humility. Good racetrack drama, with excellent performances all around.



Devil On Horseback Original Movie Poster, 27 x 41 (1955)

Fun Halloween Articles

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Fun "Devils" T-Shirts

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What's the first thing that comes to mind

when you hear the phrase "Devils on Horseback"?

  • Timewarp Jan 17, 2011 @ 9:49 am | delete
    I think this lens is the first of heard it!
    Sounds good though.
  • missbat Oct 10, 2010 @ 4:03 pm | delete
    The first time I ever heard of "Devils on Horseback" was when they were prepared on the UK cooking show The Two Fat Ladies. Can't say I'd eat them but I bet loads of people would!
  • fanfreluche Oct 10, 2010 @ 1:12 pm | delete
    Interesting, the traditional appetizers looks yummy, I love sweet and sour food, might try it!

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DecoratingforEvents

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