BACON WRAPPED DATES
Instructions:
- I make these at every party I have because they are always a favorite, surprisingly easy and incredibly delicious. The key is quality ingredients. If you can’t find pancetta, you can use regular bacon, which will do in a pinch.
- 12 fresh dates
- 3 ounces Spanish goat cheese (or other goat cheese)
- ½ pound pancetta, or enough to make 24 four-inch slices (might be slightly more than a half pound depending on how thick the bacon is cut, so if buying by weight, err on the heavy side, or just tell the butcher how many 4-inch slices you need)
- Cut dates in half with a sharp knife and remove seeds. Cut 24 one-inch slivers of goat cheese. Push a sliver of goat cheese into each date. Wrap each date with half a slice of pancetta or other bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Put dates on a broiler sprayed with nonstick cooking spray or rubbed with a little canola oil. Broil until bacon is crisp and goat cheese is golden brown and bubbly, about 12–15 minutes.
- Serves 12 as appetizer, 6 as a light lunch when served with a salad.