Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs With Blue Cheese

Ingredients

• 16 whole almonds
• 4 thin slices prosciutto*
• 16 dried mission figs, trimmed
• 1/2 (4-oz.) package blue cheese, cut into 16 pieces
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. 1. Place almonds in a shallow pan.
2. 2. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring occasionally.
3. 3. Cut each prosciutto slice lengthwise into 4 thin strips. If necessary, make a small slit in center of each fig. Stuff each fig with 1 piece of blue cheese and 1 almond. Wrap 1 prosciutto slice around each fig, pressing to seal. Toss wrapped figs with oil, pepper, and salt; arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. 4. Broil figs 3 inches from heat 3 minutes or until prosciutto begins to crisp. Serve immediately.
5. *4 thin slices deli ham may be substituted.