Blue Cheese and Pecan Stuffed Dates

Submitted by januarybride

"Per Whole Foods' website, "To ease the party rush, make the filling for these dates a few days in advance, keeping in mind that the flavor will get stronger over time. For a vegetarian version omit the bacon and sauté the onions in olive oil instead of the bacon grease.""

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 7
• Yields: 24 appetizers
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• 1⁄2 small red onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1⁄2 cup blue cheese, crumbles
• 2 1⁄2 ounces cream cheese (light or fat free are fine)
• 1⁄2 cup chopped pecans, divided
• 24 pitted dates

directions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Transfer onion to a medium bowl and let cool.
4. Crumble bacon into the onions. Add cheeses and half of the pecans. Stir well to combine.
5. Stuff each date with a heaping teaspoon of the mixture and top with remaining pecans.

Reviews

[CornelesS]

Every Christmas we stuff dates with peanut butter (chunky or plain) and also some with half a walnut and then roll them in white sugar

 

[rosslare]

Stunning appetiser, perfect balance of sweet and sour! I did not add nuts to the cheese, just popped them on the top as on the picture. Needed more dates (depends on the size of them), 32, and matching number of the nuts.

 

[Pokey in San Antonio]

I made these for my Christmas party this year. They were a hit. I used roasted seasoned pecans (little spicy) for a little extra flavor. I had just a few left over--just chopped em up and put them on a salad.

 

[anniejoesmith]

Sweet and savory! you cannot go wrong. Who ever developed this recipe is brilliant. Taking 2 ingredients ie ( blue cheese and dates) that most people are not to crazy about and putting them together to make these delectable babies! I loved them and so did my guest. They are splendid with red wine. stop thinking about it and just make em already.

 

[The Flying Chef]

Wow!! I made these this evening as part of a finger food, nibbles party. I hade my sister, hubby and niece all say what a combination of flavours, that is going to be gross. No way!! once they all tried it they said I never thought that would work but that is truly delicious. All my guests, that loved dates, have praised this combo all the way. This to me is a truly unique way to serve dates but totally delicious. What can I say these flavours just work and work well..I even wondered how this would turn out myself, but it is truly inspried, thanks for sharing such a fab recipe.. :)