The holidays are fast approaching and you may need to consider appetizers for your guests, or perhaps you volunteered to bring something to a gathering. Why not something sweet and elegant? Roasted Stuffed Dates. Filled with goat cheese topped with a walnut, and herb mixture and drizzled with honey. Simply amazing.

Ingredients

• 1 12-ounce package pitted Medjool dates
• 1 4-ounce log goat cheese, softened to room temperature. I love the honey flavored
• 1/3 cup very finely chopped walnuts
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon orange zest plus 2 teaspoons fresh orange juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Hot honey for garnish

Process

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
2. Slice the dates open lengthwise, do not cut all the way through.
3. Fill each date with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the goat cheese.
4. Arrange dates in a 9” x 9” baking pan.
5. Combine walnuts, rosemary, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, salt, and olive oil in a small bowl. Mix well.
6. Spoon walnut mixture over dates. Bake for 15 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before transferring to a platter.
8. Drizzle with hot honey.