fun eats & sweet treats: bacon wrapped stuffed dates

These bacon wrapped stuffed dates are a sophisticated hors d'oeuvre to offer at a Christmas gathering. They are nutritious, easy to prepare, can be prepared ahead of time & baked just before your gathering, and are low maintenance. Meaning, you could serve them right out of the oven, or they could sit at room temperature for awhile and they will still be delicious.

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates

Using Medjool dates, slit them just enough to remove pit

Stuff with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon goat cheese or cream cheese

Insert an almond into date

Squeeze date shut

Wrap each date with one piece of bacon*

Place date seam side down on baking sheet

Bake @ 400 degrees for 10 minutes, or until the bacon is cripsy

 (Turn each date at 5 minutes)

*Most recipes call for half a slice of bacon, but I prefer a full slice per date. Since the dates are fairly sweet & soft, the contrast of the salty & crispy bacon is perfect, why not go for the gold? I knew you'd agree.