Here is the easiest, no-cook, quick appetizer! Sweet dates paired with creamy goat cheese for a one-bite starter. Perfect for a charcuterie board, or a light happy hour snack with a glass of wine.
Discovering simple and quick recipe ideas has been a focus of mine. Like many, I don't have the luxury of having a lot of time for cooking. That thing called work gets in the way of me spending the entire day in the kitchen. If you didn't know, I love to cook, and the kitchen is my happy place.
One of my husband's and my favorite tapas dish are dates wrapped in bacon. There is a Spanish restaurant back in Illinois that we loved to go to with friends. It's called Emilio's, and they have some of the best, classic Spanish dishes around. It was at Emilio's, where we had dates wrapped in bacon, served with a roasted red pepper sauce. It was such an odd combination to us, but it was as if culinary angles were singing when we tried it. The sweet dates, smokey bacon, and the creamy red pepper sauce go so perfectly together. It's that sweet, salty, acid trifecta that is a harmonious favor. We love to end our meal there with these little bundles of goodness, and we order them as dessert. I know, seems like an unlikely ending to a meal, but if I tell you they are amazing and they are very satisfying.
Luckily, I do have the recipe for Emilio's famous dates wrapped in bacon, and I could have them whenever I have the time to make them. There are other versions of this dish, and maybe you have seen them on a restaurant menu. Dates with a Parmesan piece in the center and then wrapped in bacon, or dates stuffed with blue cheese is another combination.
But lately, I am more interested in quick recipes ideas. I think these dates stuffed with honey goat cheese drizzled with honey answer a fast, no-cook appetizer. I used honey, but you could also use balsamic glaze. I love pistachios, but you could substitute with crushed walnuts or even pecans if you aren't a fan.
To make things easier on yourself, buy pitted dates. If you have ever pitted a date yourself, it is a little time-consuming. Many grocery stores have them now. I purchased my dates from Trader Joe's. All the ingredients for this recipe came from Trader Joe's. I love that store!
Until next time, friends! XO!
Dates with Honey Goat Cheese and Pistachios
1 container pitted dates
4 ounces honey goat cheese or plain (from Trader Joe's)
Honey
Pistachios, crushed
With a paring knife, make a slit in the date, but be careful not to cut through. You are making a pocket for the cheese. Next, using a small spoon, or 1/4 measuring spoon, stuff some goat cheese in the pocket. Arrange stuffed dates on a serving platter. Drizzle with honey, and sprinkle crushed pistachios on top. You can make this ahead. Refrigerate until ready to eat. Serve cold or at room temperature.