Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates

OK, these are AWESOME.  You MUST try the next time you have guests or have to bring an appetizer to a dinner party.  Your friends will thank you.

I know what you're thinking: who eats dates?  They're like prunes, which are for old people.  Well, dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon taste like pure deliciousness, and are amazingly addictive.  As they cook, the dates get super sweet and brown sugar-y, which pair perfectly with crispy, smokey bacon.  Those flavors are balanced out with the bright, tangy goat cheese.  I've even put a whole almond in the middle for an extra crunch.  Either way, you can't go wrong.

Messy, but worth it.

I brought these to a party and everyone scarfed them right up.  They're really like candy.  And they are SO EASY.

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates

25-30 pitted dates

4 ounces goat cheese 

1 package bacon

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2.  Using a small paring knife or your fingers, cut open the dates.  Stuff with goat cheese.

2.  Take bacon out of the package and cut the bacon strips in half.  Wrap each stuffed date with half a piece of bacon.  Place wrapped dates on a slotted roasting pan or baking sheet lined with aluminum foil* and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until bacon is crisp, turning after 20 minutes.


* the slotted roasting pan is better because it allows the bacon to get crispier.