12 Days of Christmas: Recipe #6 Bacon Wrapped Dates

This is another one of those dishes that is a good "go-to" when you need a quick and easy recipe for that last minute dinner party. Let me tell you, it's a crowd pleaser! It is one of my staples. There are never any left on my serving platter at the end of the night. The sweetness of the date mixed with the smoky and saltyness of the bacon is a perfect match. Try and you will see!

INGREDIENTS
·bacon
·dates (pitted)

INSTRUCTIONS
· grease a cooking pan and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
· cut each slice of bacon in half length wise.
· roll a date in a bacon slice and secure it with a toothpick
· place on baking sheet about 1 inch apart
· bake at 350 for about 10-12 minutes and flip sides
(they should be crispy and dark when fully cooked)

They can be served at room temperature, so you do not have to worry about cooking them right in time for serving. You could also create variations by stuffing the dates with blue cheese or by using apple smoked bacon. Mix it up!

Merry Christmas!