Datiles con Tocino

These little tidbits are delicious.  They are not quick to make, but I don't know anyone who doesn't like them!

Tasty tiny treats

Datiles con tocino

Worth all the effort!

Ingredients:

• 12 plump dates
• 6 strips of bacon
• 12 Marcona almonds
• Valdeon cheese (a spanish blue cheese)

1. Slice the dates in half an remove the pit.
2. Replace the pit in each date with an almond and a little bit of the cheese.
3. 
4. Close up each date and roll each one in half a slice of stretched bacon.
   
5. In a bit of olive oil or butter, fry the bacon wrapped dates, turning consistently (approx 2 minutes on each side).
6. Remove the dates from the pan to a plate covered in paper towels to soak off some of the grease.
7. Insert a toothpick into each date and serve after cooling a few minutes.

The dates are supposed to be deep fried for a more consistent cook.  Do as you please!

Recipe from Seamus Mullen, chef at Boqueria, NYC.