Parmesan Stuffed Dates
- 18 [1 by ¼ in.] sticks Parmigiano-Reggiano [from a ½ lb. piece]
- 18 pitted dates, [preferably Medjool]
- 6 bacon slices, cut crosswise into thirds
Special Equipment-18 wooden picks
Preheat oven to 450ºF. Put oven rack in middle of oven.
Stuff 1 piece of cheese in each date, and then wrap one piece of bacon around each date, securing it with a pick.
Arrange dates 1 in. apart in a shallow baking dish.
Bake 5 min., then turn dates over with tongs and bake until bacon crisps, 5-6 minutes more.
Drain on paper towel, or parchment and serve immediately.

Christmas is the feast commemorating the birth of Christ. It is fixed in the liturgical year as December 25th and is preceded by four week of fasting called Advent.