Chocolate Dipped Dates Stuffed With Spiced Nuts Food

CHOCOLATE-COVERED PEANUT BUTTER-STUFFED DATES

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If the dates do not already have slits in them, cut a slit lengthwise along each date, making sure not to cut all the way through (it should look like a little canoe).
• Stir together the peanut butter and peanuts in a medium bowl until combined. Stuff about 1 teaspoon into each date and set aside.
• Combine the chocolate and coconut oil in a medium microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted, stirring once halfway through, about 1 minute 30 seconds.
• Dip 1 date into the chocolate and turn it a few times with a fork until completely coated. Use the fork to remove the date to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dates and chocolate, working with 1 date at a time. Sprinkle the tops of the dates with the flaky sea salt. Refrigerate until the chocolate has hardened, about 30 minutes.
• Microwave the caramels in a small microwave-safe bowl in 30 second increments, stirring in between each, until the caramel can be drizzled, about 1 minute. Drizzle the caramel over the dates and refrigerate until set, about 10 minutes. Serve right away or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

DATES STUFFED WITH HAZELNUTS AND CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• First, make the hazel nut paste by combining the 1 3/4 cup chopped hazelnuts, egg whites, confectioners' sugar and hazelnut liqueur (optional) in a food processor to form a paste (Mixture can be refrigerated, covered, up to 2 weeks).
• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place hazelnuts on a baking sheet; toast in oven until lightly browned, 3-5 minutes, watching closely so they don't burn. Set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, slice each date on one side to form a pocket; set aside.
• Mix 1/3 cup hazelnut paste and chocolate in a bowl; spoon the hazelnut/chocolate mixture into each date. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the filling.
• Serve or refrigerate up to 1 week.