Cheddar Dates

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
24 pitted dates
24 pecan halves, toasted
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl, stiring well.



2. Add butter, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. (Dough will be crumbly.)



3. Make a lengthwise slit in each date, and stuff each with a pecan half.



4. Press 1 generous tablespoon cheese mixture around each date, covering completely.



5. Cover and chill 45 minutes. (You can cover and freeze dates up to 1 month)



6. Place dates on a greased baking sheet, and brush with egg white. Sprinkle with sugar.



7. Bake at 360 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove dates to a wire rack to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.