Filled Dates Appetizer

Having dinner guests always inspires me to try out new culinary delights. I just came up with these filled-date bites last night. They're wonderfully caramel-like in consistency and flavor. They make a great little appetizer, so I wanted to share with you all before the Easter holiday.


Cheese and Nut Filled Dates 

Ingredients:

• 8 fresh Medjool dates
• 2-3 ozs. Fromager d'Affinois (lovely double cream French cheese)
• 1/8 c. finely chopped pecans (hazelnuts would also be delicious)

Directions:

• Pre-heat oven to 375
• Pit the dates from the stem end (I used a bird's beak knife to do this without much ado.)
• Mix the cheese and pecans together well
• Stuff the dates (you could use a pastry bag for this step, I used my fingers)
• Bake in baking dish for 10-12 minutes or until skin is very lightly crisped
• Serve hot

 Enjoy, and a Happy Holiday to all!

XO, Debbie