Spanish: Pincho dátiles con bacón (bacon-wrapped dates)

Recipe by Paul Young <info@cooking-with-paul.com>

(serves 12)

Ingredients:

• 6 strips thinly sliced bacon or prosciutto
• 12 large dates
• 3 ounces goat cheese
• 12 toothpicks soaked in water to minimize charring
• 12 Marcona almonds (optional)

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
2. Slice the dates lengthwise and carefully remove the pit; replace it with a small amount of goat cheese and one almond (if using); press the edges of the dates together to seal
3. Cut the strips of bacon in half, wrap each date in one piece of bacon; poke a toothpick through the date to secure the bacon
4. Place on a rimmed baking dish, leaving space between each date
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is brown and crispy (turn once halfway through)
6. Cool for a few minutes before serving