Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound of Medjool Dates
1 package of Applewood smoked bacon
4 ounces of goat cheese
1 cup balsamic vinegar (which will be reduced to a 1/4 cup of balsamic syrup)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Slice dates open (leaving them in one piece) and remove the pit. Scoop out a small amount of goat cheese, and pack it into the center of the dates. Close the dates, and wrap a slice of bacon around the outside. Secure each one with a wet toothpick. Arrange in a baking dish or on a baking sheet with sides, to catch any grease.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the bacon is crisp. Turn dates over after the first 20 minutes for even cooking.
While the dates are baking, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently 30-40 minutes, until the liquid takes on a syrupy texture.
Remove the finished dates from the oven and lightly glaze with the syrup.
