Ingredients :

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24 blanched whole almonds, toasted
2 oz. Point Reyes Blue Cheese
24 large Medjool dates, pitted
8 thin slices bacon, cut crosswise into thirds

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Method :

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To toast almonds: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast until fragrant, about 10 minutes. Let cool.

Preheat oven to 400° F. Stuff an almond inside each date with a small amount of the blue cheese, wrapping date around the almond and cheese.

Wrap each stuffed date with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick crosswise. (Can be made ahead to this point and refrigerated until ready to bake.)

Bake in the 400° F oven on a baking sheet equipped with a rack for 12-15 minutes, or until bacon is crisp. Drain on paper towels, remove toothpicks and serve while still warm.