CHORIZO FILLED DATES IN BACON

1 chorizo sausage (about 2 ounces)

12 pitted dried dates

3 slices bacon, cut in quarters crosswise

For breaded Chorizo-filled dates in bacon, you will also need:

Oil for frying

Flour for dusting

1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon milk

Cut off the ends of the chorizo and slice the sausage crosswise into 3 equal pieces. Remove skin. Cut each of these pieces in half lengthwise and in half again, to make a total of 12 stick pieces. Insert each chorizo piece into a date and close the date around it. Wrap a strip of bacon around each date. Secure with a toothpick.

Place the wrapped dates in a skillet with the seam side of the bacon down and sauté until the bacon is golden. Turn and brown on the other side. Drain on paper towels. You may now serve the appetizer or continue with next step for breading.

For breaded Chorizo-filled Dates in Bacon:

In a deep fryer or a skillet, heat oil at least ½ inch deep to about 380°.

Dip the dates into the egg mixture and then dust with flour. Place immediately into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, turning once. Drain and serve immediately.