Candied Bacon-Wrapped Figs

Name: Candied Bacon-Wrapped Figs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 dozen.
Ingredients: 12 bacon strips; 24 dried figs; 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons cocoa chile blend powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

I stuffed figs with cream cheese and wrapped them in bacon and spices for an addictive flavor combo that’s sweet, salty and delicious. You can use dates, too. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

Ingredients

12 bacon strips
24 dried figs
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa chile blend powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Cut bacon strips in half crosswise. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until partially cooked but not crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain.
Cut a lengthwise slit down the center of each fig; fill with 1/2 teaspoon cream cheese. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, chile blend powder and cinnamon. Dip one side of each bacon piece in brown sugar mixture; wrap each fig with a bacon piece, sugar side out. Secure with a toothpick.
Transfer to a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake 12-15 minutes or until bacon is crisp.

Editor's Note: The following ingredients may be substituted for 2 tablespoons cocoa chile blend powder: 2 teaspoons sugar, 2 teaspoons baking cocoa, 2 teaspoons chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon paprika.