Great Summer Appetizers

Summer always seems to be the time I have people over the most. I am always on the look out for something easy to serve up for my friends. Here are a couple of my favorites. Of course they BOTH include bacon!!! Delicious!

Bacon-wrapped Dates stuffed with Cream Cheese and Almonds

*I was on the look out for a good stuffed date recipe after I had the pleasure of enjoying them last year with a girlfriend in Manhattan. I found this recipe by Emeril, which is close to what I had in NYC. I know it sounds different, but don't knock them until you try them. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

Ingredients

• 18 (1 by 1/4-inch) pieces cream cheese
• 18 pitted dates (preferably Medjool)
• 18 salted and roasted whole almonds
• 6 slices bacon cut crosswise into thirds
• Special equipment: 18 wooden picks

Directions

Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Stuff 1 piece of cheese and 1 almond into each date, then wrap one piece of bacon around each date and secure bacon with a toothpick if desired. Arrange dates, bacon seam down and 1 inch apart in a shallow baking pan.

Bake 5 minutes, then turn dates over with tongs and bake until bacon is crisp, 5 to 6 minutes more. Drain on a paper towel or parchment. Serve immediately.

*I cook the bacon part way to ensure that it is fully cooked.

Grilled Jalapeno Poppers

I made these last year for my dad's birthday dinner. They were gone in 5 minutes!

jalapenos

cream cheese

bacon

Cut your bacon in 1/2 and cook it for about 5-6 minutes (so it is cooked 1/2 through). Cut your jalapenos lengthwise and remove all of the seeds. Fill your jalapeno boat with the cream cheese and wrap with a bacon 1/2, securing with a toothpick. Place a piece of foil on the grill and lay your poppers on top. They are finished with the bacon is cooked through.

*You can also make these in the oven.

**By removing all of the seeds you are left with the flavor of the jalapeno, not the heat!