Katy's Dates with Ancho Chili Oil

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
• 1/2 cup minced walnuts
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 10 Medjool dates, cut in halves or thirds and pitted
• 8 thin slices Serrano ham or prosciutto, cut into 3/4-inch-wide strips

1. To make the ancho chili oil, put the olive oil and the chili powder in a small pan over low heat and warm gently for 10 minutes; set aside for 1 hour to infuse, then strain through a sheet of paper towel.
2. This can be done the day before.
3. Position a rack at the top of the oven and preheat to 350F.
4. In a small bowl, mix the walnuts, sage, garlic, orange zest, and olive oil to form a crumbly paste.
5. Using a teaspoon press the paste into the cavities of the dates.
6. Wrap each date with a 3-inch-long strip of the ham.
7. (The dates can be covered and refrigerated until an hour before guests arrive, when they should be brought to room temperature.)
8. Place the dates on an ungreased baking sheet and roast for 5 minutes (8, if they're cold); arrange on a serving tray and drip with the ancho chili oil.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature.
10. Napkins are a must.

extra virgin olive oil, ancho chili powder, walnuts, fresh sage, garlic, orange zest, olive oil, dates, serrano ham

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/katys-dates-with-ancho-chili-oil-231151 (may not work)