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In mid January my roommate and I hosted a shindig to celebrate her birthday. We made a bunch of classy apps, served our favorite cocktail in a beverage dispenser and had over some close friends before we all ventured off to the bar scene. Some of the recipes included Bocconcini Arrancini, Mac & Cheese Bites, (delicious-one day we’ll post this) Baked Brie and these little guys…Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates.
Not to brag or anything…but all our apps were a total hit. Actually, I am going to brag. What can I say…I know my appetizers (AKA I’ve had loads of experience eating them). These Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates were unbelievably delicious.
We decided on adding stuffed dates to our menu just on a whim. Until 2013 dates were not a food I knew anything about. Like zilch. I wasn’t even sure we’d be able to find dates at the grocery store. But we put medjool dates on our list…and voila…there they were. I’ve since bought medjool dates on several occasions because I’m pretty obsessed with these Vegan Granola Bars.
They were so easy to prep and they’re a fancy finger food to serve for parties of all kinds. Super Bowl Parties included!
Here’s what you’ll need
Cut halfway through the center of each date to remove the pit. Replace the pit with a raw almond
Wrap the date in a slice of bacon then secure with a toothpick
Finally, roll lightly in brown sugar
Place on a roasting pan and bake until bacon is cooked through and crisp
Finger foods are my favorite…and just in time for Super Bowl!!
Yield: 20 dates
Ingredients
20 medjool dates
20 raw almonds
10 slices bacon, cut in half
¼ cup brown sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil then place a rack in the pan.
Cut the dates in half lengthwise but only cut far enough to remove the pit, not all the way through. Push 1 almond into the hole where the pit used to be. Press the date closed with your fingers. Wrap each date with half a slice of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place.
Put brown sugar on a small plate. Roll the bacon wrapped dates around lightly in brown sugar then place them on the baking rack.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bacon is cooked through and crispy.
Source: adapted from Iowa Girl Eats
About Kelly Salemi
