bacon wrapped dates

WARNING: these can be addictive and are in no way good for you (which is why they're delish, duh).

[photo from brown eyed baker]

Okay, so who doesn't love bacon? This is my current go-to snack recipe for any party. It can be match any menu, regardless of how sophisticated or casual. We hosted a baby shower today, so I made these savory snacks much to the pleasure of hubs & pooch who were tempted by the aroma of cooking bacon. Here's the quick recipe:

Ingredients:
-pitted dates [2-3 per person is a conservative estimate--they'll go fast]
-softened cream cheese
-bacon [typically 3 dates can be wrapped from 1 slice]
-grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400.

Mix softened cream cheese with grated parm. I use about a 5:1 ratio of cream cheese to parm, but you can adjust to taste.

Slice dates on one side so they are butterflied. Stuff with cheese mixture.

Cut bacon strips each into 3 sections. Wrap stuffed date with bacon section. Secure with toothpick.

Bake on a broiling pan (line the bottom section with foil for easy clean-up) for 20-25 minutes or until bacon is cooked + crispy. Enjoy!

Make-ahead tip: you can stuff & wrap the dates and refrigerate one day prior. Then, just pop in the oven for a quick party treat!

I originally followed this recipe from Williams-Sonoma, and have eyeballed it ever since. If you're looking for more precise measurements, you may want to reference the original. [I'm more of an experimental chef, as you'll soon find out.]