Gorgonzola Stuffed Dates

 Tapas, or appetizers, are a great way to introduce people to a wide variety of meatless treats.

Salty, tangy Gorgonzola is the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the dates. The crowning walnut adds texture and visual appeal. These are rich. 3-4 per person is ample. Reduce as needed. This is pretty simple, so just keep the proportions the same and you'll be OK. Don't overfill the dates.

• 3 oz cream cheese, softened (low-fat ok)
• 3 oz good Gorgonzola, crumbled
• 1 Tbs orange juice
• 8 oz pkg pitted dates (about 36 dates)
• 36 walnut pieces

In a small mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, gorgonzola, and orange juice.Spoon mixture into a resealable plastic bag, squeezing it toward one corner of the bag. Cut of the tip of the bag at the corner.

Separate the dates along the slits used to pit them. You may occasionally need to create an opening using a paring knife. Squeeze about a teaspoon of the cheese mixture into each date and top with a walnut piece.

May be made one day ahead and refrigerated. Serve at room temperature.