Bacon Wrapped Dates With Almonds

sassafrasnanc's Note:

Don't let anyone tell you otherwise...THESE ARE WONDERFUL. They are always the very first thing to go at a party. When I catered I always told my customers to order 2-3 times more of these than anything else. Most people expect scallops but are pleasantly surprised by the sweet wonderful flavor inside. A combination of sweet, crunchy, salty and smoky is a real winner! You won't be sorry you went out on a limb to try these. You can prep ahead of time, freeze and then pull them out of the freezer and bake right before the party.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 25

Yield: 60.0 pieces

• 1 lb pitted dates
• 1 (4 ounce) package whole almonds , blanched
• 1 ½ lbs smoked bacon , thin sliced

Directions:

1. Stuff each date with one almond.
2. Cut bacon into half or thirds.
3. Wrap bacon around date and secure with a round toothpick.
4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
5. Place dates on a foil lined (they are messy and this makes them much easier to clean up) baking pan and cook until bacon is crispy (around 15 minutes).
6. Drain on paper towel and serve warm or room temperature.
7. Watch them disappear!

Reviews

[Dreamer in Ontario]

This recipe is amazing! I cut the bacon strips into thirds. The wrapped dates were then baked for 10 minutes, turned over, and baked an additional 10 minutes. I found that if I didn't turn them the bottoms would be over cooked, possibly because they were baked for 20 minutes rather than 15 minutes. Thanks sassafrasnanc!

[Croce]

I've made these several times and they are always a hit. They are ideal to take to a pot luck or function where an appetizer is required. We first tasted them in Spain at a tapas bar and later saw the recipe on Zaar. Be sure to use blanched almonds. A bit tedious to make, but well worth the time.

[LuvToEat]

You are right, they are wonderful. Made a double batch for Cbristmas Day--we loved them. I froze them before baking and they came out beautifully. I did have to bake them about 15 minutes longer than stated but I'm sure that's just an oven variation thing. They also reheated well in the microwave (not many leftovers, though)! Thanks for a different and easy treat!