Bacon-Wrapped Dates

I'll be the first to say it: These are not pretty. But they are delicious. The dates melt just a little bit, and their sugars mix with the bacon fat, which just reiterates the old adage: "Bacon makes everything better." Bacon wrapped dates are popular in tapas bars, which is where I first had them. They're served plain, or sometimes stuffed with almonds, garlic or cheese. I made these with blue cheese, and brushed them with a balsamic glaze, just to enhance the sweetness. I made these for a Memorial Day party with family and they where a hit.

1 bag pitted dates (I recommend Medjool dates, because they are bigger, but I used regular Dole dates)
1 lb. bacon
1 package blue chese
toothpicks
1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
3 tbsp. honey

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Slice each date lengthwise, but be careful not to cut all the way through.
Put a small portion of the cheese inside each date.
Cut each slice of bacon in half, and wrap one half around one date.
Put a toothpick through the bacon and date to keep everything together.
Stand up the dates in a row on a cookie sheet. 
Alternatively, if your careful, you can omit the toothpicks, and just place the bacon-wrapped dates seam-side down a cookie sheet.
Place the cookie sheet in the oven for 5 minutes
Mix together honey and vinegar.
Remove the dates from the oven and brush on the balsamic glaze.
Put back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove from oven, and serve immediately.