• For 20 servings, you'll need 20 dates, ten pieces of bacon, and, if desired, ten walnuts or whole almonds.
• Heat an oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the upper third. Cut 10 pieces of bacon in half crosswise to make 20 strips of bacon, place on a paper-lined plate, and microwave until it lets off part of the grease but is still pliable, about 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
• Meanwhile, pit the dates or buy pitted dates. Season the insides of the pitted dates with a pinch of salt and a few cranks of freshly ground black pepper. If stuffing, add a walnut or a couple of almonds or pistachios.
• Wrap the cooled bacon around the date (ideally, it will wrap around 1.5 times) and secure it with a toothpick. Repeat to wrap all the dates in the bacon, place on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven, turn the dates (to help the bacon cook evenly), and continue to cook until the bacon is crisped to your desired doneness, about 15 to 20 minutes more. Top with flaky sea salt and serve immediately.

Variation 1: Blue Cheese + Walnut

• Fill each date with one small slice of blue cheese and one whole walnut before wrapping. Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar before serving.

Variation 2: Pistachio Pesto + Cream Cheese

• Mix together 3 ounces of softened fresh goat cheese or cream cheese with 1/3 cup pistachio mint pesto. Fill the dates with the mixture (no more than one teaspoon per date) and a couple of pistachios before wrapping and baking.

Variation 3: Almond+ Paprika Orange Goat Cheese

• Mix 3 ounces of softened fresh goat cheese or cream cheese with 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, the zest from one orange, and, if desired, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme. Fill the dates with the mixture (no more than one teaspoon per date) and a couple of almonds before wrapping and baking.