Bacon-Wrapped Figs Stuffed With Blue Cheese

Diane Phillips

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 8  slices bacon
• 16  dried figs
• 1⁄3-1⁄2 cup  crumbled blue cheese (Danish, Maytag, or Gorgonzola)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°; line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Lay bacon on the baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the bacon has rendered some fat but is still pliable; drain on paper towels.
3. Cut each strip of bacon in half and lay it on a cutting board.
4. Slit the figs lengthwise, making a small pocket.
5. Push about 1 teaspoon of the crumbled cheese into the pocket and close the slit.
6. Place the fig on the bacon and roll the bacon around the fig, securing with a toothpick.
7. Repeat with the remaining bacon, figs, and cheese.
8. Transfer figs to a 9 x 13 inch baking dish, placing them about ½ inch apart.
9. Bake in 400° oven for 10 minutes, or until bacon is crisp; remove from baking dish and serve hot or warm.
10. **Make Ahead or OAMC: after step 8, Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
11. Defrost the figs in the refrigerator overnight, if necessary.
12. Preheat oven to 400°; let figs come to room temperature for about 20 minutes.
13. Bake for 10 minutes, or until bacon is crisp; remove from baking dish and serve hot or warm.