Chorizo-Stuffed Dates With Piquillo Pepper Sauce

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add peppers and tomatoes and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the liquid in the sauce has mostly evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Step 2

   Let sauce cool slightly, then transfer to a blender and process until smooth. Thin with warm water to reach desired consistency if necessary. You want a thick sauce but not so thick that it mounds on the plate.

3. Step 3

   Heat oven to 350 degrees. Stuff dates with chorizo, using about ½ tablespoon of chorizo per date. Cut bacon slices in half lengthwise and wrap a slice around each date.

4. Step 4

   Place stuffed dates on a small baking sheet and bake 15 minutes, or until chorizo is cooked through. Turn broiler to high and broil for 2 to 4 minutes, or until bacon is dark brown and crisp.

5. Step 5

   Spread sauce on each plate and place 3 dates on top. Serve warm.