Dates Stuffed with Almonds & Blue Cheese
Makes 24 appetizers
24 blanched whole almonds, toasted
2 oz. Point Reyes Blue Cheese
24 large Medjool dates, pitted
8 thin slices bacon, cut crosswise into thirds
To toast almonds: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast until fragrant, about 10 minutes. Let cool.
Preheat oven to 400° F. Stuff an almond inside each date with a small amount of the blue cheese, wrapping date around the almond and cheese.
Wrap each stuffed date with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick crosswise. (Can be made ahead to this point and refrigerated until ready to bake.)
Bake in the 400° F oven on a baking sheet equipped with a rack for 12-15 minutes, or until bacon is crisp. Drain on paper towels, remove toothpicks and serve while still warm.
© Sally Bernstein, 2005