Almond-filled Bacon Wrapped Dates

Note: You can add a little bit of cream cheese into the date before adding in the almonds. I drizzled a tiny amount of maple syrup on top of a few dates when they were almost finished baking to give them some extra sticky sweetness.

1. Slice the dates lengthwise using a small paring knife on one side. Remove the pit.

2. Fill the empty cavity of the dates with the almonds. The size of your dates and almonds will determine how many almonds per date. I used 2-3 almonds per date.

3. Close the dates by pressing the sides back together. Cut each strip of bacon in half crosswise.

4. Wrap each date with a piece of the cut bacon and place seam side down on a broiler pan. Repeat for all of the bacon and dates.

5. Preheat oven to 350ºF and bake for 25 minutes or until bacon is browned crisp throughout.

6. Take out to cool and serve warm or at room temperature.