One more...

sweet recipe before diet season begins!

These are a treat my mom and dad used to make at Christmas time, its one of those memorable tastes that stick with you for life. Guaranteed.

You will need:
Dates
Port wine, and/or other sweetish liquor
Almond paste
Chocolate - I selected Girardelli's 60% I like it dark

Find yourself some great big dried dates, the California variety are great!

Make a slit along one side, and remove the pit.

Place these open dates in a bowl, and pour on the liquor! A good port wine is great for this- and I also mixed in a little bit of whiskey. Add enough liquid to cover the dates.
Cover in plastic wrap, and put into the refrigerator. For best results leave them in there for a couple of days- at least one day.

Carefully drain the dates into a colander, and SAVE the liquid- this is for your consumption and purely delightful.

While you are getting a drink, and the dates are dripping, spread out some paper towels on flat surface.
Knead the almond paste until soft. Roll up little pieces of oval (replicate the pit) paste, and insert into the opening of the date. Carefully close it back up, and give a gentle squeeze. Put on paper towels.

Meanwhile, warm up a double boiler and melt your chocolate of choice. Place a cookie rack over waxpaper/foil next to the pot. Place the dates onto the rack, and with your spoon, pour on the chocolate. You want it to cover the top, and at least drizzle down the sides.
Put the dates in the refrigerator, and when the chocolate is hardened- indulge!

Caution- the dates do absorb quite a bit of alcohol, so consume in moderation, and don't let the kids at them!