Eggplant Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates

Preheat oven to 250°; line rimmed baking pan with parchment paper. In small bowl, whisk syrup, soy sauce, oil and paprika. Trim off sides of eggplant to create rectangle-shaped block; cut block into 16 (1/8-inch) slices. Trim slices to 5 x 1 1/4-inch strips and brush both sides with syrup mixture; arrange in single layer on prepared pan and bake 45 minutes or until edges are slightly crisp, turning once.

Stuff dates with almonds and blue cheese; wrap each stuffed date with 1 piece eggplant, secure with toothpick and place on same pan. Bake dates 15 minutes or until eggplant is golden brown and edges are crisp. Let dates stand 5 minutes.

Chef tips: For uniform thickness, slice eggplant using a mandolin. Eggplant scraps can be layered in lasagana or used to make caponata, ratatouille or babaganoush.