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

Appetizers are always a hit at holiday open houses.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

12 dates, pits removed

6 ounces Mexican chorizo, removed from casing

6 slices bacon, cut in half horizontally

1 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika

1 7-ounce jar roasted red peppers, liquid drained, diced

¼ cup tomato sauce

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Stuff each date with about ½ teaspoon of chorizo. Wrap each with ½ strip of bacon. Arrange dates on baking pan; bake in oven until bacon is crispy. Meanwhile, heat skillet over medium heat; add paprika. Cook just until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add peppers and tomato sauce; cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Add to food processor or blender; pulse until almost smooth. Keep warm. Remove dates from oven; dab with paper towels. Pour warm sauce on platter. Top with dates.

Yield: Serves 4.

Note: Have wooden picks handy for guests to spear the dates.

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

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