Festive Stuffed Dates
Festive Stuffed Dates Recipe - Delicious Arabian Delight
Introduction
Festive Stuffed Dates are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or dessert that is perfect for any special occasion or holiday gathering. The combination of sweet dates filled with a creamy and tangy cream cheese mixture is sure to impress your guests.
History
Stuffed dates have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. Dates are a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, where they are often stuffed with nuts, cheese, or other fillings. This modern twist on the classic stuffed date recipe adds a festive touch with the addition of orange peel and powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) box of whole pitted Dole dates
- 1 (3 oz) package of cream cheese
- 0.25 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp of grated orange peel
How to prepare
- Make a slit in the center of each date.
- Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange peel.
- Fill the center of each date with the cream cheese mixture.
- Refrigerate.
Variations
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cream cheese mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle the stuffed dates with honey or caramel sauce before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Dust with additional powdered sugar just before serving if desired.
- Makes about 27 stuffed dates.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use whole pitted dates for this recipe to make it easier to stuff them.
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature before mixing it with the powdered sugar and orange peel for a smoother filling.
- Refrigerate the stuffed dates for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Festive Stuffed Dates as an appetizer or dessert at your next holiday party or special occasion. They pair well with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute the cream cheese with goat cheese or ricotta cheese for a different flavor profile.
- If you don't have powdered sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup as a sweetener.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the cream cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to stuff the dates.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the stuffed dates on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves or orange slices for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Festive Stuffed Dates pair well with a variety of beverages, including champagne, white wine, or hot tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Festive Stuffed Dates contains approximately 100 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Festive Stuffed Dates contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Festive Stuffed Dates contains approximately 5 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Festive Stuffed Dates contains approximately 1 gram of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Dates are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.
Summary
Festive Stuffed Dates are a sweet and creamy treat that is relatively low in calories and fat. They are a good source of carbohydrates and provide some essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Festive Stuffed Dates are a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for entertaining. With a creamy and tangy filling, these stuffed dates are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished in my heart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I stumbled upon the recipe for Festive Stuffed Dates. I was visiting a dear friend of mine, Mrs. Jenkins, who was known in our town for her incredible cooking skills.
As soon as I entered her kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma. Mrs. Jenkins was busy at work, preparing a feast for an upcoming holiday party. She had platters of food laid out on the counters, and the sight of it all made my mouth water.
I watched in awe as Mrs. Jenkins expertly stuffed dates with a mixture of cream cheese, nuts, and spices. She explained to me that these were her famous Festive Stuffed Dates, a recipe that had been passed down in her family for generations.
Curious and eager to learn, I asked Mrs. Jenkins if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed, and together we spent the afternoon making batch after batch of these delicious treats.
As we worked, Mrs. Jenkins shared stories with me about how she had learned to make the recipe herself. She told me that her own grandmother had taught her how to stuff dates when she was just a little girl, and that she had been making them ever since.
I was captivated by Mrs. Jenkins' stories, and by the end of the day, I had not only learned how to make Festive Stuffed Dates, but I had also gained a newfound appreciation for the importance of passing down recipes from generation to generation.
From that day on, Festive Stuffed Dates became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I made them for every holiday gathering, and they quickly became a favorite among my family and friends.
Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touches here and there. But the core of the recipe, the cream cheese filling, the nuts, and the spices, has remained the same.
To this day, whenever I make Festive Stuffed Dates, I think back to that special day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen. I am grateful for the time she took to teach me the recipe, and for the stories she shared with me that day.
I have since shared the recipe with my own grandchildren, passing down this delicious tradition to yet another generation. And I hope that they, too, will cherish the memories of learning to make Festive Stuffed Dates with their dear old grandmother.
Categories
| Appetizer Recipes | Arabian Recipes | Cream Cheese Recipes | Dates Recipes | Dessert Recipes | Orange Peel Recipes | Powdered Sugar Recipes | World Recipes |