Dates Stuffed With Pistachio Cream Cheese Food

PISTACHIO CREAM CHEESE STUFFED DATES

Steps:

• If they aren't already, run a small paring knife down the side of each of the dates in order to open them up.
• Stuff about a half tablespoon of cream cheese inside each date and press three pistachios into the cream cheese.

CREAM CHEESE-STUFFED DATES RECIPE

Steps:

• Mix cream cheese and honey until blended; spoon into resealable plastic bag.
• Cut small piece off one bottom corner of bag; use to pipe cream cheese mixture into dates.
• Top with nuts, pressing gently into cream cheese mixture to secure.

YVONNE MAFFEI'S DATES WITH CREAM AND CHOPPED PISTACHIOS

Steps:

• Rinse and dry the dates. Make a clean cut along the side of each date to open, and remove the pit.
• Stuff each date with 2 whole almonds and lightly pinch closed. (The recipe can be made up to this point up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container.)
• When ready to serve, arrange dates cut sides up on a plate or platter. Drizzle on the crème fraîche, making a dollop on each date. Sprinkle on the citrus zest, then the chopped pistachios. Serve immediately, as finger food or on plates with a small fork and knife.

GOAT CHEESE AND PISTACHIO-STUFFED DATES

Steps:

• Stir together the goat cheese, 2 tablespoons of the pistachios, and the chives in a small bowl until smooth. Season with pepper.
• Arrange the dates, cut side up, on a platter. Fit a pastry bag with a large round tip, and fill it with the goat cheese mixture. Pipe the mixture onto each date half to cover. (Alternatively, pipe the goat cheese mixture using a resealable plastic bag with 1 inch cut from one corner, or simply spread the mixture on the dates with a butter knife.) Garnish the dates with the remaining tablespoon pistachios and more chives.