Smokey Medjol Dates
Stuffed with Citrusy Goat Cheese, Pistachios, and Herbs
Ingredients per serving
Prepare the Stuffing
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Pistachios, chopped, split 0.5 cup
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Canola oil 1.0 Tbsp
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Garlic clove, minced 1.0 tsp
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Goat cheese 0.5 cup
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Parsley, chopped 1.5 Tbsp
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Chives, chopped 1.0 Tbsp
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Mint 0.25 tsp
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Salt
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Black pepper, ground
Prapare the Dates
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Medjol dates, whole 32.0 each
Preparation
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Prepare the Stuffing
- Heat a sauté pan over medium low. Add the oil and garlic, cook for 10 seconds or until aromatic. Add half of the pistachios and sauté for 1 minute. Set aside to cool.
- Mix the cooled pistachios, goat cheese, Knorr® Professional Intense Flavors Citrus Fresh, andherbs ina piping bag. Season with salt and pepper.
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Prapare the Dates
- Push the pit out of each date and expand the hole with your finger
- Stuff each date with 1 teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture. Top with the remaining pistachios mixture.
- Place the dates on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Place them close together, so they remain with the stuffed side facing up.
- Preheat a smoker over medium low.
- Place the dates in the smoker for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is slightly warm and the dates have a light smoky flavor.
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Variations
- For a vegan version, replace the goat cheese with vegan cream cheese. Use a variety of nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts in place of pistachios.
- Another option is to eliminate the cheese altogether and just pulse nuts, herbs and garlic together
