Party Appetizer Extraordinaire!

Isn't this a Pretty Platter full of Party bites? My building's annual Christmas party was yesterday, and it was a great excuse to try out a new appetizer recipe! I know...You're not supposed to use your neighbours as 'guinea pigs'...but this recipe is a tried and true combo! From the compliments I received...I know it was a good choice. I found this recipe on the net, and after about 5 minutes of assembly and 35 minutes in the oven, they were ready to be chopped in half and skewered. I didn't even get bacon grease on my new Christmas dress!

Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

Pre-Heat oven to 350 degrees

3 tbsp cream cheese (room temperature-full fat- not a cream cheese'product')
3 tbsp goat cheese (room temperature-I used a BC goat cheese-plain)
15 big fat plump moist dates sliced to form a pocket-pits removed( mine were from California, and so big, I cut each one in 1/2 after they were baked and cooled a few minutes)
15 1/2 slices bacon(I used a 50% less salt one)

Put cheese together in small bowl, and when it's at room temperature stir to combine. Take pits out of dates, being sure to leave a nice pocket. My dates were so soft, I just poked my finger in, removed the pit, and made a hole big enough for the cheese. Stuff about a teaspoon of filling in each date. They should be full. Take a 1/2 slice of bacon and wrap each date and place them seam side down on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until bacon is nice and crisp. The original recipe said 20 to 25 minutes, but my bacon was not crisp until 35 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Stand back and receive the compliments! Looking smug is completely optional...
Happy Partying!