• Preheat the oven to 400° F.
• With a small paring knife, slit each date lengthwise and spread open just enough to remove the pit while leaving the date intact. Fill the cavity of each date with a small piece of blue cheese and fold the date over the cheese, pressing it back into its original shape.
• Cut a strip of prosciutto as wide as each date is long and wrap it around twice, enclosing the date almost completely. Place the dates on a sheet pan and bake for about 8 minutes, until the prosciutto is browned and the cheese starts to melt.
• Cool slightly and serve warm.

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SPECIAL NOTES

• When you’re cooking for the holidays, you need appetizers that are quick to make and real crowd pleasers. These dates couldn’t be easier, and they’re a culinary delight — offering the perfect balance of salty and sweet. You may want to consider doubling the recipe, as they are sure to be a hit. Recipe courtesy of Ina Garten.