Crispy Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates

These are magic on the hor d'oeuvres table!

Crispy Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates

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

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut a lengthwise slit in each date. Stuff with one slivered almond and about 1/2 teaspoon of the cheese. Pinch closed. Wrap each date securely in a slice of bacon and arrange, seam side down, on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Bake, turning once after ten minutes, for about 20 minutes or until the bacon is browned and crisp. Serve warm or at room temperature.