A supreme contrast shaped by the honeyed sweetness of dates and the smoky crunch of bacon. Each bite balances textures with a creamy center and a walnut tucked inside. An elegant, addictive appetizer that belongs at the best celebrations.
Preheat the oven to 190°C and line a tray with parchment paper. Open each date lengthwise, remove the pit if needed, and keep the date attached like a little book.
Stuff each date with a small spoonful of cream cheese and a piece of walnut. Close gently so the filling stays contained, not crushed.
Cut each strip of smoked bacon in half. Wrap each date with half a strip and secure with a small skewer if needed; place the seam side down on the tray.
Bake the dates for 14 to 16 minutes, until the bacon is golden and crisp at the edges
Turn what you find into an experience you can actually bring to your kitchen.
Brush lightly with honey and sprinkle with black pepper. Return to the oven for 2 minutes, just to set the glaze and deepen the bite.
Rest for 5 minutes before serving. They should arrive warm, with a jammy date, a creamy center, and bacon that is still crisp.
