Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with blue cheese

Ingredients

1 lb. Medjool dates
12 oz. blue cheese
20 thick strips applewood-smoked bacon

Directions

Using a paring or steak knife, place a lengthwise cut in each date. Remove pit. Add as much cheese as you can to the center of the date; use gloves if you want to prevent your fingers from picking up the blue cheese odor.

Using a half strip per date, roll bacon tightly around stuffed date and skewer in place with a toothpick. (You'll need 40 toothpicks.) Arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Serve while hot. If desired, drizzle with balsamic vinegar for a little zing.

Makes 40