Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates With Basil & Prosciutto

• 20 fresh dates
• 6 ounces goat cheese
• 20 large basil leaves
• 6 ounces prosciutto, sliced to fit around date
• 20 toothpicks, soaked in water

1. Soak toothpicks in water while preparing the dates. Use a sharp paring knife to slit each date lengthwise, and pop out the pit. Snip basil leaves from stems - use sharp scissors to avoid bruising the leaves. For larger leaves, slice in half lengthwise.
2. Cut prosciutto into strips about 1 inch wide by 4 inches long. For packaged prosciutto this generally means cutting each strip into quarters.
3. Preheat broiler.
4. With a small spoon, butter knife, or offset spatula, stuff about 1 teaspoons goat cheese into each date.
5. Wrap a basil leaf around each date.
6. Wrap prosciutto over the basil, securing with a toothpick.
7. Place in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
8. Broil for about 2-3 minutes, use tongs to turn dates over, and broil another 2-3 minutes until prosciutto is golden and sizzling.
9. Transfer to serving dishes.
10. Garnish with fresh basil.
11. Delicious hot from the over or at room temperature.

dates, goat cheese, basil, toothpicks

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/goat-cheese-stuffed-dates-with-basil-prosciutto-301654 (may not work)