CHEF JEFF — ONE BYTE AT A TIME: Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates

• chef jeff

chef jeff

Talk about it

Here’s one more recipe for those looking for another appetizer to serve at tonight’s New Year’s Eve party.

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates

8 slices bacon

2 tablespoons sliced green onion

½ cup crumbled blue cheese

2 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese, softened

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

24 Medjool dates

Microwave bacon slices on high about 2 minutes. Remove from microwave. Cut into thirds. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line sided baking sheet with parchment or coat with nonstick spray. In medium bowl, combine green onions, blue cheese, cream cheese and pepper.

Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date. Spread each date open slightly. Remove pits. Fill each date with a rounded teaspoon of the cheese mixture. Wrap a one-third piece of bacon around each date and place on the prepared baking sheet with the filling side up.

Bake, uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes or until bacon is cooked. Remove from oven. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Yield: Serves 24.

Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 91 calories, 2 grams fat, 18 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams protein, 107 milligrams sodium, 6 milligrams cholesterol, 2 grams fiber.

Grab more food tidbits at the Chef Jeff blog at GrandForksHerald.com.

Tags: chef jeff, jeff tiedeman, one byte at a time, bacon-wrapped stuffed dates, features, food, recipes, daily updates