These are tasty! And surprisingly *relatively* healthy. Each date is about 3-4 awesome bites of deliciousness for your 111 calories. I also was amazed at how quick and easy they were to prepare. I thought making stuffed dates would be hours of preparation, however, these were done in matter of minutes.Bacon Wrapped Medjool Dates stuffed with Blue Cheese and Almond
16-20 fresh Medjool dates
1 package thin center cut bacon, slices cut in half
3 oz crumbled blue cheese
16-20 almonds
1 cup balsamic vinegar for reduction
Slice each date lengthwise and remove pit. Fill date with one almond and a large pinch of cheese. Use half a slice of bacon and wrap around date securing with a toothpick. Continue with remaining dates.
Place dates on a foil lined cookie sheet with bacon seam down. Bake for 12-15 minutes at 375 on top rake. If you prefer more crispiness to your bacon, broil dates for last 2-mins of cook time. Allow dates to cool slightly and top with balsamic reduction.
To make balsamic reduction, in a sauce pan bring vinegar to a boil. Reduce vinegar to a simmer and whisk often to prevent burning. Continue simmering until reduction becomes desired consistency. If vinegar becomes frothy the temperature is too hot!
Nutrition Info: 1 date = 111 cal, 4.5 g fat, 18 g carb, 3 g fiber, 16 g sugar and 4 g fat.
Enjoy!
