Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates

When it comes to appetizers, our healthy diets can often fly out the window, which is why I really like these bacon wrapped stuffed dates.  While this is certainly a treat and not something to include in your daily diet, each date contains protein, fat and complex carbs.  Additionally, these ingredients are wholesome and simple, not deep-fried, and not containing a laundry list of additives and fillers.

A word of advice: make a double batch!  These disappear quickly…

Courtesy of RealHealthyRecipes.com

What you need:

Serves 24

12 bacon strips, uncured pork

24 Dates (get the kind with pits, these are softer)

1/2 cup goat cheese

24 walnut halves

24 toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the bacon strips in half, width-wise.
2. Remove the seed from each date and stuff with a teaspoon of goat cheese and a walnut. Squish it together.
3. Wrap each stuffed date with a piece of bacon. Secure with a toothpick and place on the prepared baking sheet. (You can store in the fridge up to a day once wrapped.  It’s nice to make the day before your party!)
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is cooked through and crispy. Enjoy immediately!

Nutrition:

One serving equals: 96 calories, 6g fat, 237mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 5g sugar and 5g protein.