Zucchini-Wrapped Dates

I have found that one of the most popular appetizers with guests is bacon-wrapped dates. There’s something about that combination of sweet and savory, especially with the warm gooeyness of the dates. But bacon isn’t the only thing you can wrap around a date—a wide spiralized zucchini makes a great healthy substitute for a piece of bacon. Spice up the vegetable with a bit of salt and pepper and you have another healthy starter that is sure to be just as much of a crowd pleaser.

Serves 4–6

2 cups Medjool dates

2 large zucchini

1 tablespoon raw wild honey

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Split dates in half and remove pits.
2. Slice zucchini in half crosswise and cut off both ends. Spiralize using a straight-noodle blade so noodles come out in thick ribbons.
3. Break the ribbons into 4"–5" pieces, brush both sides with honey, and wrap around each date 4 or 5 times. Secure with a toothpick, making sure it goes through zucchini on the top and bottom of the date. Place wrapped dates on a baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake for about 10–12 minutes. Serve warm.