Devils on Horseback
Devils (or Devil) on Horseback
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
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

- Serves: 12 - 16 servings
- Total Time: 1 Hour
Ingredients
- 48 large shrimp (approximately 2 lbs.. - with shells)
- shelled and deveined
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
- 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons prepared garlic chili sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 strips bacon
- quartered (in half lengthwise and then again cross)
- flattened with the back of a knife to prevent curling
- Wooden toothpick
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared chili garlic sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 green onion
- finely chopped (both white and green parts)
Instructions
1. Combine shrimp, wine, lemon peel, 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce, and salt in non-reactive dish. Marinate for 15 minutes. Remove shrimp and drain on paper towels; discard marinade. Wrap each shrimp in a piece of bacon, securing bacon by skewering shrimp with wooden toothpick (neck to tail in a half-moon).
2. Preheat broiler. (Position oven rack so the food will be 3 to 4 inches from the heat.) Place shrimp in a single layer on an unheated rack of a broiler pan. Broil, turning twice, until shrimp are opaque and bacon is cooked through and crisp (7 to 9 minutes total).
3. For Remoulade, stir together mayonnaise, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon prepared chili garlic sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and green onions. Cover and chill until serving time.
4. If desired, thread broiled shrimp onto fondue forks or 8 to 10-inch wooden skewers. Serve shrimp with sauce. Makes 48 shrimp (12 to 16 servings).
Source and Photo Credit Better Homes and Gardens Recipe
Which Devil?
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)![]()
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
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.
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.
Fun Halloween Articles
What's the first thing that comes to mind
when you hear the phrase "Devils on Horseback"?
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Timewarp
Jan 17, 2011 @ 9:49 am | delete
- I think this lens is the first of heard it!
Sounds good though.
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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!
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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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