Blue Cheese & Almond Stuffed California Dates with Chive Oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Slice dates lengthwise, on one side only; taking care to not cut all the way through. Fill the date cavity with about 1/2 teaspoon blue cheese. Add a sliver of almond atop blue cheese on each date and arrange dates in the baking pan. Meanwhile, add chives, garlic, oil, salt and pepper in a blender or use an immersion blender to process until chives have been completely eviscerated and the chive oil has a consistent, not chunky texture. Bake dates until warm and cheese is slighlty melted, about 8 minutes. Serve warm, with chive oil drizzled below and on top.