Bacon Wrapped Dates

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Cut bacon slices in half.

2. Wrap each date tightly with a half of a bacon slice and place evenly spaced on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silpat.

3. Bake for 20 minutes or until bacon is almost crispy. Carefully pour off bacon grease and strain through a metal mesh strainer to use at a later time.

4. Serve bacon wrapped dates immediately, or warm later in an oven set to a low temp.