Stuffed dates
Simple local dessert
Dates, the fruit of the palm trees, were first cultivated as far back as 4000 BC in ancient Mesopotamia. They have been a staple of the Middle East since then and were more recently introduced to other areas of the world. There are numerous varieties of dates, from the sweet and firm Jumbo Medjool dates to the small and caramel-like Barhi dates. All dates are rich in health benefits and can easily be incorporated into your diet. In Morocco, dates are considered a very important ingredient during the month of Ramadan, as Moroccans break their daily fast with dates and milk. Stuffed dates (sweet version and salty version) bring a special touch to the Ramadan table.
Ingredients:
Goat cheese version:
3 ounces Goat Cheese
1 bunch chives
16 Madjool Dates
8 Walnuts
Almond paste (sweet) version:
1 pound of raw almonds
8 ounces of sugar
1 teaspoon of orange blossom water
¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons of butter
16 Madjool Dates
8 Walnuts
Chocolate coating:
4 ounce bittersweet chocolate (chips, or cut in small pieces)
½ teaspoon vegetable oil
Preparation:
Goat Chease Version:
Chop the chives and the walnuts.
Mix the chives and walnuts with the goat cheese.
Pit the dates and stuff them with the cheese mixture.
Top with more walnuts if desired.
Almond paste version:
First remove the almond skin: Boil water then pour it on the almonds and let them sit for few minutes. Strain the almonds from the water, place them on a towel, and rub them energetically with the towel. The skin of the almonds will be removed with the friction.
Mix the almonds, melted butter, sugar, orange blossom water, and cinnamon in a grinder until you get a smooth paste.
Pit the dates and stuff them with the almond paste. Add a walnut in the middle of the stuffed date
Melt the chocolate and vegetable oil over a double boiler on the stove, or microwave in a small Pyrex measuring cup for 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave for another 30 seconds. Stir until melted.
Dip half of each date in the chocolate, and let the excess drip off. Set the date down on parchment paper to harden.