Bleu D’Élizabeth Cheese, Dark Chocolate & Date Bites

Once the Christmas rush has passed, I find myself looking for easy ways to use up the loads of chocolate leftover from stockings and bits of cheese in my fridge – ideally transforming them into something I can serve on New Year’s Eve. I recently came across these no-bake squares made from crumbled blue cheese, melted chocolate and sticky dates – a total winner. They’re made in minutes, and are deliciously different when it comes to party nibbles.

This recipe features the 2013 Canadian Cheese Grand Prix winner in the Blue cheese and Organic cheese categories – Bleu D’Élizabeth, a beautiful organic semi-soft cheese from Quebec, is worth seeking out, but any blue will do – I like to support our local farmers and producers by choosing Canadian cheeses – some of the best in the world!

A perfect way to ring in the new year!

Bleu D’Élizabeth Cheese, Dark Chocolate & Date Bites

Melt chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water. Let cool.

Process dates and cheese in a food processor until coarsely chopped.

Add melted chocolate and process until well combined.

Spoon mixture into a loaf pan lined with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Cut into bite-sized pieces.

Sprinkle with cocoa, and serve.