Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 pieces dates Choose soft, plump dates for the best flavor and texture.
- 250 g bacon (diced) Can be substituted with prosciutto for a different flavor.
- 40 g walnuts (roughly chopped) You may experiment with different nuts.
- 1 tbsp rosemary (finely diced) Use fresh rosemary for the best flavor.
- 1 tbsp maple syrup Enhances sweetness and flavor.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar Optional for sweetness.
- 250 g goat cheese Can be substituted with feta or cream cheese if preferred.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For blending and richness.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
- 1 tbsp orange zest Adds a refreshing citrus flavor.
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C (350 degrees F).
- Using a sharp knife, slice the dates lengthwise and remove the seed. Be careful not to cut the dates in half. Discard the seeds and set the dates aside.
Cooking
- In a cold pan, add the diced bacon. Turn the heat to high and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the walnuts, two-thirds of the rosemary, maple syrup, and brown sugar to the pan with the bacon. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and you have a jammy consistency.
- In a food processor, combine the goat cheese, two-thirds of the orange zest, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Stuff the dates with about a teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture and lay them on a baking tray or in a baking dish. Sprinkle the candied walnuts and bacon mixture over the top.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Once done, sprinkle the remaining rosemary and orange zest over the dates and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8g
Notes
These tasty bites are perfect as an appetizer or a snack. Serve them warm on a platter, and pair them with a nice drink. For a more festive touch, add a garnish of fresh herbs or citrus slices. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat before serving. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes to the goat cheese mixture.
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