Bacon Wrapped Dates

Some folks call these Datiles Rellenos. In Spanish that translates into stuffed dates.

The combination of the sweetness from the dates and the tartness of the goat cheese mixed with the smokiness of the bacon is out of this world! I've found it impossible to eat just one.

I first tasted these yummy snacks at a restaurant in Maryland that specialized in Tapas. I was with a large group of friends and someone at the table ordered them and we passed our plates around, I grabbed one and bit into it, it was delicious! I just had to have another, and then I knew I had to make them at home!

When I first made them I baked them in the oven, 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Since we've been cooking outdoors a lot this summer, I thought they'd do well on the grill.

Soaking the toothpicks for 15-20 minutes while you are stuffing the dates with cheese is an important step, it helps keep them from burning.

You will need the following:

12 ounces bacon (not thick cut)

4 ounces soft goat cheese (you can substitute cream cheese if you can't find goat cheese)

1 package pitted dates (8 ounces)

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toothpicks

Propane or gas grill

Soak the toothpicks in water while you stuff the dates.

Cut the dates with a sharp paring knife to open on one side, be careful not to cut all the way through.

Place approximately 1 teaspoon of goat cheese inside each date.

Cut the package of bacon in half and wrap each date with a piece of bacon, securing with a toothpick.

Heat up your grill.

Once the grill is hot, place the bacon wrapped dates onto the grill and cover for 2 minutes.

You will need to watch these carefully, move and turn them with tongs as they brown.

When the bacon wrapped dates are browned and crispy on all sides, remove them from the grill.

It will take between 8 and 10 minutes total cooking time.

These bacon wrapped dates go well with many other foods, we enjoy them with shrimp and zucchini.

You can prepare these a day before and place them in the refrigerator until it's time to grill them.

If you like bacon, (and who doesn't?) you'll really love these.