Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

Ingredients

• 14 Medjools dates
• 4 ounces garlic and herb goat cheese
• 1 tablespoon pine nuts
• 7 slices bacon
• 14 toothpicks
• 0.25 cups balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Using a paring knife, cut each date lengthwise through to the middle and remove pit. Stuff each date with goat cheese, then press 4 to 5 pine nuts into the cheese. Wrap each date with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Bacon should wrap around each date about 1 1/2 times. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

3. 3

   Bake in the preheated oven until bacon is nearly done, 15 to 17 minutes.

4. 4

   Turn on the broiler and place a rack 6 inches from heat. Broil dates until bacon is browned and slightly crispy, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from oven and place on a serving platter; drizzle dates with balsamic glaze.