Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates

Ingredients

1 lb. thick sliced apple-wood smoked bacon (16 slices)

32 medjool dates (about 1.5 lbs)

1/4 lb. blue cheese

1/2 lb. smoked almonds

Instructions

Slit the dates longways and remove the pits. Stuff each date with one smoked almond and a chunk of blue cheese (crumbles will work too), about the same size as the almond.

Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise. This is very easily done with kitchen shears. Wrap each stuffed almond with one of the half slices of bacon. Secure with a toothpick, avoiding the almond.

Place on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes or until the bacon is nicely brown. Serve as is or dipped in a red wine reduction.