Bacon-Wrapped Dates

For this recipe, plan on two or three dates per person for an appetizer.

Pitted dates

Sliced bacon, approximately 4 inches long

Any optional ingredient you select (see sidebar)

Toothpicks

Foil-lined baking sheet with sides

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Wrap each date in bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Place on foil-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip each date over. Place back in oven and cook until crisp and browned. (If brushing with something sweet, do this once bacon is completely cooked and return to oven for 3 to 5 minutes.) Transfer to paper towel-lined platter before placing on a serving platter.

Serve warm.

Penny Kazmier