Dates Stuffed with Roquefort Cheese and Topped with Walnuts

Name: Dates Stuffed with Roquefort Cheese and Topped with Walnuts
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

Chef

Lauren Groveman

View

Cookbook

The I Love to Cook Book: Rediscovering the Joy of Cooking for Family and Friends

Published by Clarkson Potter

View

This image courtesy of Mark Ferri

NotesTiming 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.

32 Pieces (recipe may be halved)

Cooking Methodsauteeing

CostInexpensive

Easy

Total Timeunder 1 hour

Make Ahead RecipeYes

Kid FriendlyYes

OccasionBuffet, Cocktail Party, game day

Recipe Coursehors d'oeuvre

Dietary Considerationegg-free, gluten-free, halal, kosher, peanut free, soy free, vegetarian

Five Ingredients or LessYes

Taste and Texturecreamy, crunchy, nutty, rich, savory, sweet

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

Instructions

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.