Dates Stuffed with Roquefort Cheese and Topped with Walnuts

Recipe by: Lauren Groveman | from The I Love to Cook Book: Rediscovering the Joy of Cooking for Family and Friends

Cookstr

Course: Hors D'oeuvre

Total Time: Under 1 Hour

Skill Level: Easy

Cost: Inexpensive

dates-stuffed-with-roquefort-cheese-and-topped-with-walnuts

Photo by: Mark Ferri

Yield: 32 Pieces (recipe may be halved)

INGREDIENTS

16 large, best-quality dried dates
1/3 cup creamy Roquefort cheese, at room temperature
¼ cup whipped cream cheese, at room temperature
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ cup walnuts, finely chopped
Kosher or sea salt to taste

Directions

Slit each date lengthwise and remove the pit. Slice each date into two equal lengthwise pieces. Using a sturdy rubber spatula or a fork, combine the cheeses until well mixed, then season to taste with black pepper. Use a small spreader to fill each date half with the cheese, spreading it out flush with rim of the fruit.

Place a doubled piece of paper towel on a plate and set it aside. Melt the butter in a small 8-inch skillet over medium heat and, when hot and bubbling, add the chopped walnuts. Sauté the nuts, stirring constantly, until light golden, being careful not to scorch them. Transfer the nuts to the paper towels to drain. Keep the nuts warm until ready to assemble and serve.

Just before serving, dip each stuffed date, cheese side down, in the sautéed nuts and place them right side up on your platter. Sprinkle the tops lightly with salt and serve.

Notes

Timing is Everything:

The dates can be filled with cheese one day ahead and kept refrigerated, well covered.

The nuts can be pan toasted a few hours ahead. Just before serving, rewarm them for 5 minutes on a shallow baking sheet at 350°F., wrapped loosely in an aluminum foil pouch.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Nutritional information is based on 32 servings and does not include salt garnish.

Calories 64kcal (3%)

Calcium 29mg (3%)

Vitamin C 0mg (0%)

Vitamin A 18mcg RAE (1%)

Potassium 97mg

Magnesium 10mg

Protein 1g

Sugar 8g

Fiber 1g