24 dates ▢4 oz goat cheese or cream cheese ▢8-12 slices bacon ▢toothpicks
Gas oven to 350 degrees. Bacon should be prepared by slicing the bacon in half or thirds, depending on the length of the bacon and the size of the dates.
Remove the seed from one side of the dates and cut them along its length. (Cut along one side of the date; do not sever the entire thing.) Slightly fill the date with goat cheese using a spoon.
Stuff dates with bacon and secure the mixture in place using a toothpick inserted between the bacon and the dates.
Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes while positioned on their sides on a foil-lined baking sheet that has been gently greased. After turning the dates to the opposite side, bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve without delay.