Goat Cheese Stuffed Date Salad Food

GOAT CHEESE STUFFED DATES WITH BASIL & PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Soak toothpicks in water while preparing the dates. Use a sharp paring knife to slit each date lengthwise, and pop out the pit. Snip basil leaves from stems - use sharp scissors to avoid bruising the leaves. For larger leaves, slice in half lengthwise.
• Cut prosciutto into strips about 1 inch wide by 4 inches long. For packaged prosciutto this generally means cutting each strip into quarters.
• Preheat broiler.
• With a small spoon, butter knife, or offset spatula, stuff about 1 teaspoons goat cheese into each date.
• Wrap a basil leaf around each date.
• Wrap prosciutto over the basil, securing with a toothpick.
• Place in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
• Broil for about 2-3 minutes, use tongs to turn dates over, and broil another 2-3 minutes until prosciutto is golden and sizzling.
• Transfer to serving dishes.
• Garnish with fresh basil.
• Delicious hot from the over or at room temperature.

MEDJOOL DATES WITH GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Place the vinegar and sugar in a small sauce pan over medium heat.
• Dissolve sugar and reduce until the mixture coats the back of a spoon.
• Make a slit in each date and fill with goat cheese.
• Drizzle balsamic reduction onto a small plate in an attractive design.
• Place a few small radicchio leaves on top and place 2 or 3 dates on top of the leaves.
• Drizzle a little more reduction on top of the dates.

GOAT CHEESE AND SALAMI STUFFED DATES

Steps:

• Toast pistachios in a dry small skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, 5-8 minutes. Let cool slightly, then finely chop.
• Mix goat cheese, salami, and lemon zest in a medium bowl.
• Slice dates in half lengthwise, taking care not to cut all the way through, and open like a book. Stuff each date with a small scoop of goat cheese mixture.
• Arrange dates, filling side up, on a large plate or platter. Drizzle honey over and top with pistachios.