Bacon Wrapped Dates

Ingredients

• 12 large pitted dates
• 3 ounces goat cheese (or feta or blue cheese (recipe note #1))
• 6 thin slices bacon ((recipe note #3))
• 12 toasted almonds (or toasted pecans)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375 °F (191 °C).

2. 2

   Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper (or lightly oil).

3. 3

   Use thumbs to spread slit in pitted date and use a small spoon or butter knife to fill pocket with 1 to 2 teaspoons cheese. If desired, press whole almond or whole pecan into cheese. Squeeze date sides to enclose filling. Repeat with remaining dates.

4. 4

   Cut bacon slices in half crosswise. Wrap each date in 1/2 strip of bacon and secure with cocktail pick or toothpick, starting from the seam side. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dates, leaving a little room around each one.

5. 5

   Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bacon is crisp, turning dates after 10 minutes to cook bacon evenly. Serve warm or at room temperature.