Bacon-Wrapped Dates

This appetizer is sure to make you hungry and will surely whet your guests’ appetite for the big Thanksgiving feast that awaits them.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Serves 18

Ingredients
18 (1 by 1/4-inch) pieces cream cheese
18 pitted dates (preferably Medjool)
6 slices bacon cut crosswise into thirds
Special equipment: 18 wooden picks

Directions
Heat the oven to 400 degrees.

Stuff 1 piece of cheese into each date, then wrap one piece of bacon around each date and secure bacon with a toothpick if desired. Arrange dates, bacon seam down and 1 inch apart in a shallow baking pan.

Bake 5 minutes, then turn dates over with tongs and bake until bacon is crisp, 5 to 6 minutes more. Drain on a paper towel or parchment. Serve immediately.