Almond Stuffed with Dates and Bacon

from Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres
recreated by Judy Gray

makes about 60 hors d'oeuvres

1 pound pitted dates
1 4-ounce package blanched whole almonds
1 1/4 pounds very thinly sliced lean bacon

Stuff each date with an almond. Cut bacon strips into thirds and wrap a piece around each date. Secure with a round wooden toothpick.

Put the dates on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven until the bacon is crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes. The cooking time is approximate, and the bacon should be watched carefully. Drain on a rack or on paper towels. Serve warm.

Prepared dates can be frozen in advance and baked unthawed in a 400 degree oven until crisp. Regular packaged dates can be used, but Medjool dates become very creamy when cooked. Yummy!