Blue Cheese & Almond Stuffed California Dates with Chive Oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Slice dates lengthwise, on one side only, taking care not to cut all the way through. Fill the date cavity with about 1/2 teaspoon of blue cheese. Add a sliver of almond atop blue cheese on each date and arrange dates in the baking pan.

Meanwhile, add chives, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper in a blender or use an immersion blender to process until chives have been completely eviscerated and the chive oil has a consistent, not chunky texture.

Bake dates until warm and cheese is slightly melted, about 8 minutes. Serve warm, with chive oil drizzled below and on top.