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