- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
- Carefully slit each date lengthwise with a paring knife and gently remove the pits, making sure the date stays intact. 
- Wrap each pitted date with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick to hold everything together. 
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. 
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is golden, crispy, and caramelized, filling your kitchen with a smoky aroma. 
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the dates rest for 5 minutes, allowing the bacon to set and the flavors to meld. 
- If desired, drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with lemon zest for extra flavor and brightness. 
- Remove the toothpicks and serve these smoky-sweet bites warm or at room temperature for a delightful appetizer or snack.