Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

• 16 large Medjool dates, pitted
• 16 Marcona almonds
• 1/4 cup mild goat cheese, crumbled
• 8 slices of bacon (about 7 ounces), halved crosswise

Preheat the oven to 400°. Cut a lengthwise slit in the dates. Stuff each one with an almond and about 1/2 teaspoon of the goat cheese. Pinch the dates closed. Wrap each date securely in a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Arrange the dates, seam side down, on a wire rack set on a baking sheet.

Bake the stuffed dates for about 30 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crisp; turn each date after 15 minutes. Serve the stuffed dates warm or at room temperature.