Partially cook the bacon in a conventional oven or microwave. In a conventional oven, preheat to 350°F, place strips on a broiler pan, and cook for about 15 minutes or until soft. In a microwave oven, cook for about 2 minutes.
Preheat broiler.
Allow the bacon to become cool enough to handle and halve width-wise. Wrap one halved strip around each date and secure with a toothpick. Push the toothpick through the date and bacon so both ends extend equally.
If desired, refrigerate up to 1/2 day in advance.
Place on a baking sheet and broil 3 to 4 minutes. Turn over and broil another 3 to 4 minutes or until bacon is crisp. Serve warm.