Ingredients

32 large Medjool dates, pitted

32 roasted almonds- TOASTED SLIVERED/ TRADER JOES

Scant 1/2 cup mild goat cheese, crumbled

16 slices of bacon (about 7 ounces), halved crosswise

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400°. Cut a lengthwise slit in the dates. Stuff each one with an almond and about 1/2 teaspoon of the goat cheese. Pinch the dates closed. Wrap each date securely in a piece of bacon and arrange the dates, seam side down, on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Bake the stuffed dates for about 20 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crisp; turn each date after 10 minutes. Serve the stuffed dates warm or at room temperature. MAKE AHEAD The stuffed dates can be prepared through Step 1 and refrigerated for 1 day.