serve a surprise

Try our easy but elegant nut course to wow your dinner guests. The duo draws rave reviews no matter when you serve them-before the meal as an appetizer or after, as a dessert.

DECKED-OUT DATES

Cut a lengthwise slit down the center of 24 seedless dates, forming a pocket. Stuff with toasted walnut halves and thin shavings of manchego cheese.

Makes 24 servings. Prep: 15 min.

* You can make this recipe and Uptown Figs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Before serving, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

UPTOWN FIGS

Cut a slit in large side of 24 dried figs, cutting to, but not through, stem end. Stir together 1 (3-oz.) package softened cream cheese, 2 tsp. powdered sugar, and 2 tsp. orange liqueur; fill each fig evenly with cream cheese mixture and 1 roasted, salted almond. Press figs to secure filling.

Makes 24 servings. Prep: 20 min.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 2007
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