ROASTED DATES WITH SERRANO HAM

Ideally you would use a Spanish soft blue cheese such as Cabrales, but it is much easier to find Gorgonzola.

1 Cut 12 pitted dates in half, but do not cut all the way through. Open like a book and stuff each date with about 1 tsp (5 mL) blue cheese or finely chopped Manchego. Fold in half. Cut 6 slices of serrano ham in half lengthwise and wrap a piece around each date. Place dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until ham is crispy and cheese is melting, about 10 minutes. Serves 6