Blue Cheese And Pecan Stuffed Dates Recipes

WARM DATES WITH BLUE CHEESE AND PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• With a small paring knife, slit each date lengthwise and spread open just enough to remove the pit while leaving the date intact. Fill the cavity of each date with a small piece of blue cheese and fold the date over the cheese, pressing it back into its original shape.
• Cut a strip of prosciutto as wide as each date is long and wrap it around twice, enclosing the date almost completely. Place the dates on a sheet pan and bake for about 8 minutes, until the prosciutto is browned and the cheese starts to melt.
• Cool slightly and serve warm.

BACON WRAPPED DATES STUFFED WITH BLUE CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Slice dates in half, and open them up. Pinch off pieces of blue cheese, and place them into the center of the dates. Close the halves of the dates, and wrap a half-slice of bacon around the outside. Secure each one with a toothpick. Arrange in a baking dish or on a baking sheet with sides to catch any grease.
• Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the bacon is crisp. Turn dates over after the first 20 minutes for even cooking.

WARM DATES STUFFED WITH BLUE CHEESE AND PECANS

Steps:

• If using bamboo skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes.
• Prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium heat (350° to 450°F).
• In a small saucepan combine the vinegar and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
• In a small bowl mash the blue cheese and pecans together with a fork. Make a small slice the length of each date and pull out the pit. Stuff each date with about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture, pressing it closed as much as possible. Thread two dates on each skewer so that the skewer goes through both halves of each date. Lightly spray with the canola oil.
• Brush the cooking grates clean. Grill the dates over direct medium heat, with the lid closed, until heated through, about 1 minute.
• Arrange the dates on a platter and let cool for 10 minutes. Serve the dates warm with the glaze.

BLUE CHEESE AND PECAN STUFFED DATES

Steps:

• Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to drain on paper towels, reserving 1/2 teaspoon bacon grease in skillet.
• Add onion and cook over medium heat until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add orange juice and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until liquid is evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes more.
• Transfer onion to a medium bowl and let cool.
• Crumble bacon into the onions. Add cheeses and half of the pecans. Stir well to combine.
• Stuff each date with a heaping teaspoon of the mixture and top with remaining pecans.