Bleu Cheese Stuffed Dates with Bacon and Celery Salad

From the Boston Globe Magazine, November 19th, 2006

Ingredients:

• One slice 1/2 in thick slab bacon (or just buy thick sliced bacon)
• 12 pitted dates
• 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
• two stalks celery, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup celery leaves
• 2 tsp white wine vinegar
• one tablespoon olive oil
• salt to taste

Directions

• Set the oven to 350°.  Have on hand a small skillet with a heat-proof handle and a small baking dish. 
• If using a slab of bacon, slice it into 12 pieces. Transfer to the skillet and cook in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until it is crisp. Drain on paper towels. 
• Stuff each date with one teaspoon of blue cheese. 
• Set the dates in the baking dish and bake for 4 minutes or until they are just warm. 
• In a bowl, toss the celery, spices and leaves, vinegar, and olive oil. Sprinkle with salt. 
• Cut the cooked bacon into pieces small enough to fit into a date.
• Top each date with a piece of bacon and garnish with celery salad.