Chorizo and Bacon Stuffed Dates

Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 large dates, pitted
• 1/2 lb. bacon
• 1 package of spicy chorizo, pork or beef
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. garlic powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F.
2. Mix together the brown sugar and all of your spices in a small bowl.
3. If dates are not pitted, remove pits by gently pressing one edge against the heel of a knife. Do not cut all the way through, just make a small incision. Peel slightly open and remove the pit.
4. Stuff the dates with about 1-1.5 tsp. of chorizo.
5. Cut the bacon strips in half.
6. Wrap the stuffed dates in a half strip of bacon.
7. Place the dates in the bowl and carefully coat with spice mix. Once coated evenly, set onto baking dish or oven tray with the seal of the bacon facing down.
8. Place in oven or toaster oven. Bake until bacon is fully cooked and brown sugar starts to caramelize, about 20-30 minutes.
9. Remove from toaster oven or oven and let cool for 2 minutes until transferring to a platter. Serve with a toothpick while still warm.

Pro Tips

Try using spicy chorizo for an extra layer of flavor.