I have had at least four versions of this appetizer. Some had sauces, others had different cheeses, but this one has goat cheese because “Pig Dates a Bleu Cheese Crumble” doesn’t have quite the same ring. It’s delicious and easy and will definitely be the first thing to go at your gathering.

You will need the following:

• 12oz whole Medjool Dates, pitted and cut in half the short way.
• 4oz soft goat cheese, room temperature
• 1 pound bacon, cut in half. Don’t buy thick cut for this. The regular cut bacon is better suited for this application.

Directions:

1. Stuff each date half generously with goat cheese. 
2. Wrap each stuffed date with half a strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick 
3. Arrange on a greased baking sheet and place in a 425 degree oven for 20 minutes or until crisp.
4. Remove to a paper towel for draining. Plate and serve. 

This is so ridiculously simple, there is really no reason to not do it. For a slightly more fabulous version, drizzle with a balsamic reduction.