Blue Cheese With Date Spread Recipes

DATES AND BLUE CHEESE

Steps:

• Using a sharp paring knife, cut a slit into each date (remove pits, if needed); stuff with blue cheese. Arrange on a serving platter and sprinkle the almonds on top. Drizzle with honey.

ZESTY/PEPPERY/SWEET-BLUE CHEESE AND DATE SPREAD -- OR BALLS!

Steps:

• Measure 1 1/2 cups pecans (or double that amount if making cheese balls) into an large iron skillet, toasting over medium heat, stirring constantly ~ remove from heat and finely chop! (Or, preheat oven to 350 degrees ~ Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast 5 minutes.).
• Set nuts aside; they will be added last!
• In a mixing bowl, combine (by hand or using an electric mixer), cream cheese, blue cheese cheddar cheese, salt, lemon zest, and freshly grated black pepper until fluffy!
• Stir in dates and 1 1/2 cups toasted pecans.
• For easier handling, chill for an hour to firm up, if making into cheese balls. Coat with additional toasted, chopped pecans.
• Serve this zesty spread (or balls) chilled, or at room temperature, with apple slices, celery sticks. tortilla chips, and/or crackers.
• NOTE: Cooking time is the chill time, although I thought the flavor greatly improved after chilling overnight! The recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger number of people!

BLUE CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• In a small skillet, saute shallots in butter until tender. Remove from the heat; cool. , Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the cheeses, sour cream, Cognac, salt and pepper. Add shallots and mix well. Line a 3-cup bowl with plastic wrap. Spread cheese mixture into prepared bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour., Unmold onto a serving plate; garnish with walnuts. Serve with crackers.