Parmesan Stuffed, Bacon Wrapped Dates

Whole pitted dates
Sliced bacon, uncooked
Parmesan cheese wedge (may omit for a casein free appetizer)
Round toothpicks, heat tolerant

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Start by cutting the pointed end of the cheese wedge off into 1/2 x 1/4 inch sticks. Try to get the sticks to be 1/2 inch long and 1/4 inch thick. Find the cut opening of the date and push the cheese stick into it lengthwise. Close the date around it. Wrap with 1/2 slice of uncooked bacon. Secure with a toothpick. Bake for 5 minutes. Turn dates over and bake for 6 more minutes. Drain on paper towels and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. May eat at room temperature within 4 hours. Uneaten portions may be refrigerated and reheated.

~ Delicious!