Wo-devils On Horseback Recipe

Preheat and prepare pan

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup and place a wire rack on top if you have one (rack allows bacon fat to drain and crisps evenly).

Prepare dates

If dates are not pitted, slice each date lengthwise on one side and remove the pit. If using whole almonds, stuff one almond into the cavity of each pitted date. If using goat cheese, pipe or spoon about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese into each date.

Prepare bacon

Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise (so 9 slices yield 18 pieces). This size should wrap one date apiece.

Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon, placing the seam side down. Secure with a toothpick inserted through the bacon into the date. Arrange the wrapped dates on the prepared rack or directly on the foil-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart.

If using brown sugar and you want a candied finish, lightly press a scant 1/4 teaspoon of brown sugar onto the top of each bacon-wrapped date. Sprinkle a little freshly ground black pepper over the assembled pieces for contrast.

Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the bacon is browned and crisp to your liking. If your bacon is thin, check at 15 minutes to avoid excessive charring.

For extra crispness, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully so the bacon doesn't burn.

Remove from oven and let rest on the rack or baking sheet for 3–5 minutes. If you sprinkled brown sugar, it will have caramelized slightly; transfer to a serving platter and discard toothpicks or leave them in for easy picking. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.