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1
Preheat the oven to 350F.
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2
In a small saute pan, big enough to hold the dates, mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, and brown sugar and cook over medium heat, stirring, until the brown sugar melts.
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3
Add the spices and dates and cook until the dates soften a little, about 5 minutes.
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4
Stir in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and set the mixture aside,
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5
Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat.
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6
Arrange the cheese slice in the skillet, being careful not to overlap or crowd them.
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7
Brown the cheese, about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown on each side.
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8
Transfer to a heavy gratin or baking dish, placing the haloumi slices side by side.
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9
Using the same saute pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil on medium-high heat and then add the pears.
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10
Brown the pears for 4 to 5 minutes on one side.
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11
Remove the pears from the pan and add them to the baking pan with the haloumi.
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12
Spoon a date onto each piece of haloumi and place the pan in the oven until it gets hot and the cheese gets a little softer.
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13
6 to 8 minutes.
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14
Remove the pan from the oven, place it on the table, and without waiting, add the ouzo to the pan and carefully ignite it.
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15
Stand back when you light the dish, as the flames can reach 5 inches.
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16
The fire will bum off the alcohol, and after about a minute, it will leave the sweet flavor of the ouzo.
