4strips of bacon( nitrate-free and sugar-free bacon)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Cover a cookie sheet in aluminum foil.
Slice the dates lengthwise on one side; create an opening, but do not cut them all the way through. Remove the pit. Stuff each date with one raspberry. ( If raspberries are small, you may need to use two per date)
Cut each bacon slice in half so that you have 8 pieces. Wrap each date with one of the 8 pieces/ slices of bacon and secure the bacon in place with a toothpick.
Put each date on the cookie sheet, with the toothpick laying down against the bottom of the cookie sheet. Bake the stuffed dates for 16-18 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through so the bacon is evenly cooked.
Put paper towels onto a plate, and then put the stuffed dates on top of the paper towels to absorb the fat while they cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Keep an eye on the dates towards the end of the baking time to make sure they don't overcook.