Bacon Wrapped Dates, Simply Decadent!

Bacon seems to be the food trend du jour, this year.  When I was in Los Angeles, last February, I was at an event catered by Tiara Café, and one of the appetizers they served was bacon wrapped dates.  They are incredibly simple to make, and only require two ingredients.  These are sweet, savory, and decadently delicious!

For my recipe, I buy applewood smoked bacon.  I count the slices in the pack, as the bacon to date ratio is 1:2 (one slice of bacon, for two dates).  I usually buy pitted dates in the bulk foods section of the supermarket, and pick out dates that are roughly 1 1/2 inches long.

Skill level:

Ingredients

Bacon
Dates

Preparation

1. Cut bacon slices in half, lengthwise.  (One slice of bacon will be used to cover 2 dates).



2. Wrap one half slice around a date, lengthwise





Lengthwise wrap.

3. Turn date, and wrap remaining end of bacon around the date 1 to 2 times. Use a toothpick to hold loose bacon end in place.





Lengthwise wrap completed, twist the bacon,
and wrap around until you are out of bacon "ribbon."



Secure loose end of the bacon with a toothpick.



4. Bake in oven at 375 degrees, for 35 to 40 minutes.  Turn over after the first 20 minutes.  
5. Remove from oven when done (nicely browned), and drain on a paper towel.
6. Put on a plate, and serve!

Additional Notes

The dates can be stuffed with cheese - blue, Parmesan, or Cambozola work well. I have also had a variation of bacon wrapped dates with two almonds inserted into the date. Typically, I do not stuff the dates, as they are perfect with just the meat and the fruit.