Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Dates

These incredibly rich dates pack a ton of flavor in each bite, with smoky pimentón, sweet dates, salty sharp blue cheese, smoky salty almonds and crisp bacon.

Makes 8 servings

24 dates

1 tsp pimentón

4 oz blue cheese, cut into small pieces

48 almonds (I prefer salted smoked almonds here, but regular salted is fine, too)

8 slices of bacon, cut into thirds

Heat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Split the dates open longways with your fingers, and remove the pits. Sprinkle a small pinch of pimentón into half of each date. Tuck 2 small pieces of blue cheese and 2 almonds inside each date. Press each date closed; the fruit is sticky enough that you can seal it a bit.

Wrap each date in a piece of bacon and place on a baking sheet. Place them in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, checking to make sure the bacon is crispy and cooked. Transfer the dates to a platter and serve.