Bacon-Wrapped Dates

In a large skillet, cook and stir shallot in hot oil over medium heat for 1 minute or until tender, but not brown. Add chopped red peppers and cook 1 minute more. Add chicken broth. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced to about 1/4 cup (about 5 minutes).

Add whipping cream to skillet. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer sauce for about 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced to about 1/2 cup, stirring occasionally. Remove skillet from heat.

Whisk in the butter, 1 piece at a time, until each piece is melted and the sauce is thickened and smooth. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Keep the sauce warm.

Meanwhile, arrange bacon slices on the unheated rack of a broiler pan. Broil 4 to 5 inches from the heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until partially cooked, but not crisp. Drain off fat. Cool.

Halve bacon slices crosswise. Wrap a bacon piece around a date. Secure with a wooden toothpick. Place bacon-wrapped dates on the unheated rack of the broiler pan. Broil 4 inches from heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until bacon is crisp, turning once. Serve warm with sauce. Makes 24 appetizers.