Warm Dates Stuffed with Blue Cheese and
Almonds
12 medium medjool dates (available in most super markets)
4 ounces blue cheese, such as Maytag Blue, at room temperature
2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped (see
note)
Arrange a rack at center position and preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Have ready a medium-size baking pan or dish.
Slice the dates lengthwise, cutting (not all the way through) just
enough to remove the pits. Fill the cavities of the dates with about
� teaspoon blue cheese. Save extra cheese for another use. Sprinkle
dates with chopped almonds, and arrange in the baking pan. (Dates
can be prepared 3 hours ahead; cover with plastic wrap and
refrigerate. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before baking.)
Bake dates until warm and cheese has melted, about 8 minutes. Remove
and arrange on a small serving plate or place them in a long, narrow
olive tray. Serve warm.
Note: To toast almonds, arrange a rack at center position and
preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread almonds on a rimmed baking sheet
and bake until lightly browned, about 5 to 6 minutes for sliced
almonds. Watch carefully so nuts do not burn. Remove and cool.
MAKES 4 TO 6 SERVINGS
Nutrition facts per serving: 325 calories, 10 g fat, 5 g saturated
fat, 21 mg cholesterol, 55 g carbohydrates, 8 g protein, 396 mg
sodium, 5 g fiber |