The last winter in-season ingredient we’re celebrating is dates. We’re combining these versatile fruits with tangy blue cheese and bacon to make delicious sweet-and-salty single-bite appetizers!

These can be made up to a day early, but be sure to refrigerate them. They are best served at room temperature.

TIP: If you don’t like blue cheese, try using goat cheese or Manchego. You can also substitute the bacon for prosciutto, if you prefer.

Blue Cheese-Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon
(Original Recipe: It’s Not Complicated by Katie Lee)

12 oz pitted Medjool dates, approx. 20
1 lb bacon, cut in half
4 oz blue cheese

Preheat oven to 375F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a baking rack on top.

Carefully cut one side of each date, exposing the cavity (don’t cut all the way through). Fill the cavity of the date with cheese. Press the date back together and wrap it with a half-slice of bacon. Place the date on the rack cheese cut-side facing up, bacon cut-side facing down. This will help keep the cheese from cooking out while also keeping the bacon wrapped around each date.

Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the bacon is cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.