Festive Friday Date Poppers

Directions

1. 1

   Toast pepitas in a dry frying pan or skillet over medium high heat, shaking or stirring constantly until they begin to turn fragrant and golden. Remove from pan.

2. 2

   Sauté bacon until crispy, then drain onto paper towels. Combine bacon and pepitas on a cutting board and chop finely to form a crumble. Add a pinch of sea salt and transfer to a small rimmed plate or bowl.

3. 3

   Safely drain bacon grease from pan and add a small splash of olive oil (or use a spoonful of the bacon grease) to sautée jalapeños over medium heat until softened and beginning to get golden edges.

4. 4

   In a small bowl, combine the sautéed jalapeños with the goat cheese. Add paprika, lemon juice, and salt to taste.

5. 5

   Stuff date halves using a butter knife and then dipping in the bacon pepita mixture to coat. Top with flakey sea salt just before serving.