Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Parmigian cheese stuffed dates, wrapped in bacon.

Ingredients

• 18 (1- by 1/4-inch) sticks Parmigiano-Reggiano (from a 1/2- lb piece)
• 18 pitted dates
• 6 bacon slices, cut crosswise into thirds
• Special equipment: 18 small bamboo picks

Directions

• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450 F.
• Stuff 1 piece of cheese into each date, then wrap 1 piece of bacon around each date, securing it with a pick. Arrange dates 1 inch apart in a shallow baking pan.
• Bake 5 minutes, then turn dates over with tongs and bake until bacon is crisp, 5 to 6 minutes more.
• Drain on a paper bag or parchment. Serve immediately.