Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Cut each strip of bacon into thirds. Editor's Tip: You'll want to cut the bacon short so that each piece is the width of the original bacon strip but not as long. In a large skillet, cook the bacon in batches over medium heat until partially cooked but not crisp. Drain on paper towels and keep warm. Editor's Tip: If you wish, you can bake bacon on a rack atop a cookie sheet in a 375°F oven instead of in a pan. That way, you can cook all the strips at once and much of the fat will drip off the pieces as they cook. Reserve the fat and save it for other cooking projects.

While the bacon is cooking, cut a slit in the center of each date. Fill each date with blue cheese. Wrap a bacon piece around each stuffed date and secure it with a wooden toothpick.

Place the dates on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 10 to 12 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.