Sweet, smooth dates stuffed with lemony cream cheese all wrapped up in slightly salty bacon and baked until crispy. SO delish!! Very easy to make for a party of many or even one. 🙂 Best served room temperature, so it’s okay to make a few hours in advance! Servings: 32

Ingredients:

1 pound sliced bacon, cut in half

1 pound pitted dates

8 ounces cream cheese softened

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel

Directions:

In a small bowl mix softened cream cheese and lemon peel. Refrigerate until almost firm and cold.

Preheat the oven to 375*

Slice dates in half, and open them up. Add ½ teaspoon of cream cheese into center. Close the halves and wrap a half-slice of bacon around the outside. Secure each one with a toothpick. Arrange in a baking dish or on a baking sheet with sides to catch any grease. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in preheated oven, or until bacon is crisp. Turn dates over after the first 20 minutes for even cooking. Best served room temperature.