Maple Nut-Filled Dates
Christina Schmidhofer
After a day of skiing, Leslie Freeman wanted a bite of something quick, rich, and sweet. She came up with these cheese-filled dates, which make a great appetizer or après-ski snack. She uses Bellwether Farms’ flavorful, creamy crescenza cheese, made in Sonoma County. You can substitute another soft cheese, such as teleme or brie.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Cut dates in half lengthwise and remove pits. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon cheese into the cavity of each date half. Arrange dates on a serving plate.
Step 2
2
Melt butter in a 1- to 2-quart pan over low heat, then increase heat to medium and cook until butter is foamy and starting to brown. Add nuts and stir constantly for 1 minute. Add syrup and reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
Step 3
3
Lift nuts from the syrup with a slotted spoon and press a few pieces into the soft cheese in each date. Drizzle syrup over the dates and serve warm.
Ingredients
10 Medjool dates
1/4 cup soft cheese (see note above)
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup maple syrup
Directions
Step 1
1
Cut dates in half lengthwise and remove pits. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon cheese into the cavity of each date half. Arrange dates on a serving plate.
Step 2
2
Melt butter in a 1- to 2-quart pan over low heat, then increase heat to medium and cook until butter is foamy and starting to brown. Add nuts and stir constantly for 1 minute. Add syrup and reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
Step 3
3
Lift nuts from the syrup with a slotted spoon and press a few pieces into the soft cheese in each date. Drizzle syrup over the dates and serve warm.
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