Smoky Scotch-Date Barbecue Roasted Potatoes

½ cup chopped dates

2 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary

¼ cup Scotch whisky (peaty variety desired)

½ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 pounds small potatoes, quartered

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

3 scallions, thinly sliced

¼ cup crumbled blue cheese

Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat it with cooking spray.

In a blender, combine the dates, garlic, rosemary, whiskey, salt, pepper, vinegar and melted butter. Purée until completely smooth.

In a large bowl, combine the sauce and potatoes and mix until completely coated. Spread onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake until browned and tender, 25-35 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with the mint, scallions and blue cheese.

Serves eight.

Nutrition values per serving: 180 calories, 4 g fat (2.5 g saturated), 31 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 4 g protein, 10 mg cholesterol, 180 mg sodium.

Alison Ladman for The Associated Press