Dried Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Almonds

Posted on 22 November 2012

Dried Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Almonds

Happy Turkey Day from sunny California!

Though Denver was often sunny too.

This year, I am most thankful that we were able to move back early to the Bay Area. And that we are lucky enough to enjoy dinner today with 2 close friends and their son.

Dried Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Almonds

I’ll admit that I am a little disappointed that we weren’t able to host Thanksgiving this year. But, if you saw the current condition of our house, you would understand. We’re still up to our necks (ok, not really…more like our waists) in boxes. The kitchen is barely functional. I cleared one square foot of counter space to assemble my contribution to today’s meal, pumpkin pie. I’m not sure how Matt is going to pull off his sausage and mushroom dressing.

It’s amazing how well the dogs have adjusted to moving back to our old house. The transition has perhaps been more seamless for them than for Matt or I. They are currently snoring the morning away in their old corner. Duncan, allegedly the shy one, was a champ throughout the road trip back. Olive is still figuring out our new routines, but seems happy enough to lose the snow in order to gain the California sunshine.

Dried Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Almonds

I’m a-tingle that we have functioning internet — it’s blazing fast — so that I can post this appetizer. Sure, it’s a little late for Thanksgiving, but its cheesy goodness is appropriate for holiday and New Year’s parties. It’s a cinch to put together and is perfect with champagne or sparkling wine.

I’ve already come up with a few new riffs on this simple formula. Next time, bacon will definitely have to be involved.

Because bacon makes everything — even returning home — better.

Dried Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Almonds

Dried Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Almonds

Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

24 large dates, preferably Medjool
1/4 lb. soft fresh goat cheese
4 Tablespoons chopped unsalted almonds
1 Tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil a baking dish just large enough to hold the dates in a single layer.
Stir together the goat cheese and almonds. Set aside.
Using a small knife, make a small lengthwise incision in each date. Carefully remove the pits. Stuff 1 teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture into the cavity left by each date's pit. Arrange the dates, with the goat cheese mixture side facing up, in the prepared dish. (The dates can be prepared up to this point up to 24 hours in advance. Store, tightly covered, in the refrigerator.)
Bake until warmed through, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle evenly with thyme. Serve warm.
https://www.allfourburners.com/2012/11/22/dried-dates-stuffed-with-goat-cheese-and-almonds/

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma


13 responses to Dried Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Almonds

  • […] All Four Burners: Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Almonds – We usually go the blue cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped route, but I’m looking forward to this alternative recipe. […]

  • elizabeth wong says:

    Just wondering how necessary it is to bake these appetizers. will it work nicely without heating through ? Thank you.

    • allfourburners says:

      Elizabeth, I haven’t tried them cold, only warm. Heating them through in the oven melts the goat cheese and lends a lovely creaminess to the final dish.

  • Debbie says:

    You should wrap them in a piece of bacon and put them in the oven to bake until bacon is crispy

  • […] Dried Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Almonds  from All Four Burners […]

  • West Hills Roofing roofing installation information says:

    Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this website before but after browsing througgh some of the posts I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyhow, I’m definitely happy Ifound itt and I’ll be book-marking it
    and checkingg back frequently!

  • Hello! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new appple iphone!

    Just wanted to say I love reading your blog
    and look forward to all your posts! Carry on thee fantastic work!

  • […] Dried Dates Stuffed With Goat Cheese And Almonds […]

  • Copyright © 2010-2014 All Four Burners. All Rights Reserved.