Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates

By Cubby

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, Emeril's Food of Love Productions, 2008

Ingredients

• 18 (1 by 1/4-inch) pieces cream cheese, or crumbled goat cheese
• 18 pitted dates (preferably Medjool)
• 18 salted and roasted whole almonds
• 6 slices bacon cut crosswise into thirds
• Special equipment: 18 wooden picks

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Slice dates lengthwise , stuff with cheese and 1 almond, then wrap one piece of bacon around each date and secure bacon with a toothpick if desired. Arrange dates, bacon seam down and 1 inch apart in a shallow baking pan.

Bake 5 minutes, then turn dates over with tongs and bake until bacon is crisp, 5 to 6 minutes more. Drain on a paper towel or parchment. Serve immediately.

NOTE: - bacon can be par cooked ahead to ensure crispness.