Ingredients:
20 pitted medjool dates
1/2 pound aged manchego or blue cheese, cut into inch-long slivers
10 full slices of bacon, cut in half
1/4 cup maple syrup (if desired)
Prep:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Gently open the date, insert the cheese and press it closed. Wrap each date with bacon strip and secure with a toothpick. Place the dates on a non-stick baking sheet or a sheet tray lined with parchment paper. Let the dates roast in the oven until the bacon on top starts to crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes depending on your oven. Turn the dates over and cook until golden brown, another 2 to 10 minutes. Once they have reached that golden color remove the dates from the oven. Brush both sides with the maple syrup and return the dates to the oven for about 1 to 2 minutes more. Serve immediately.
Courtesy of www.theproamateurchef.blogspot.com.
