Stuffed Dates
Indulge in the exquisite taste of stuffed dates, a delightful treat that combines sweetness with savory elements. These little bites are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even desserts. With a variety of fillings, you can customize them to suit any palate. Whether you prefer creamy cheese, nutty goodness, or a touch of chocolate, stuffed dates offer a unique culinary experience that’s hard to resist. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients
– 20 Medjool dates
– 100g cream cheese
– 50g goat cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– Optional: melted dark chocolate for drizzling
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 10 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with no cooking required.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (2 stuffed dates) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Protein: 3g
– Fat: 8g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Fiber: 2g
This nutritional information is for one person serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Using a spoon, fill each date with the cheese mixture.
- Press chopped walnuts and almonds into the cheese filling for added texture.
- Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, just until warmed.
- If desired, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the dates before serving.
- Let cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Arrange on a platter and garnish with extra nuts if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily substitute cream cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a different flavor. For a vegan option, use nut-based cheese or avocado. Feel free to swap walnuts and almonds for your favorite nuts!
Serving and Pairings
These stuffed dates are perfect as appetizers for parties, paired with a cheese platter, or served alongside a glass of wine. They also make a great healthy snack or dessert option.
Storage and Reheating
Store stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. While not ideal for freezing, you can freeze the filling separately and stuff dates as needed.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overfilling the dates can make them messy to eat.
- Using stale dates can affect the overall flavor; always choose fresh dates.
- Not removing the pits can ruin the texture and lead to unpleasant bites.
- Using too much honey can make the filling overly sweet.
- Not letting the stuffed dates cool can cause the filling to ooze out.
Helpful Tips
- Soften cream cheese before mixing for a smoother texture.
- Experiment with different fillings like chocolate or fruit puree.
- Toast nuts lightly before adding for enhanced flavor.
- Consider adding spices like nutmeg for an extra kick.
FAQs
Can I make stuffed dates ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare stuffed dates a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and serve them chilled or at room temperature.
What types of cheese work best for stuffing?
Cream cheese and goat cheese are the most popular choices, but you can also try ricotta, mascarpone, or even vegan cheese alternatives.
Are stuffed dates healthy?
Stuffed dates can be a healthy snack when made with wholesome ingredients. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.
Can I freeze stuffed dates?
It’s not recommended to freeze stuffed dates as they may lose texture. However, you can freeze the filling and stuff dates fresh as needed.
What can I serve with stuffed dates?
Stuffed dates pair well with cheese platters, charcuterie boards, or can be served alongside wine or cocktails.
Conclusion
Stuffed dates are a versatile and delicious treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. With endless filling possibilities, they are sure to impress guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!
Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
- 20 Medjool dates
- 100 g cream cheese
- 50 g goat cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- Optional: melted dark chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit.
- Mix cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Fill each date with the cheese mixture using a spoon.
- Press chopped walnuts and almonds into the cheese filling.
- Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed.
- Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the dates if desired.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Arrange on a platter and garnish with extra nuts if desired.
