Bacon Wrapped Dates

I adore this simple appetizer. It's savory, sweet and there's never a single one left!

1 pound sliced bacon, cut in half
1 pound pitted dates
OPTIONAL for Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
4 ounces blue cheese OR 4 ounces chorizo

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

OPTIONAL
Slice dates in half, and open them up. Pinch off pieces of blue cheese or small chunks of chorizo, and place them into the center of the dates. Close the halves of the dates.

Wrap a half-slice of bacon around the outside. Secure each one with a toothpick. Arrange on a baking sheet with sides to catch any grease.

Bake for about 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the bacon is crisp. Turn dates over after the first 20 minutes for even cooking.