Dates Stuffed With Chorizo and Goat Cheese

These little tapas are so simple, yet the flavor combo is such a complex mouthful! Sweet, smoky, delicious...

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 6-8
• Yields: 30 dates

Ingredients

• 30  small  deglet noor dates
• 1⁄4 lb  spanish chorizo (NOT Mexican chorizo!!!)
• 1⁄4 lb  semifirm spanish goat's milk cheese, preferably cabra al vino

Directions

1. Using a small, sharp knife, cut a lengthwise slit in each date, from the top to the bottom, and remove the pit.
2. Pull off the casing from the chorizo. Cut the chorizo and cheese each into 30 thin strips that will fit inside the dates.
3. Insert a strip of chorizo and a strip of cheese into each date and press the slit closed.
4. Arrange the dates on a serving platter. The platter can be covered and left at room temperature for several hours before serving.
5. Serve the appetizers with or without toothpicks.