Middle Eastern afternoon tea wouldn’t be complete without these goat cheese stuffed dates and nuts, and of course… tea.
Afternoon Tea
Every culture has its own idea about what they want to nibble on for afternoon tea. The British use afternoon tea, as a time of day to refuel their energy, knowing that dinner is still several hours away.
I think you will find most cultures look to 4:00 in the afternoon, as a time to reward ourselves for a job well done, since they woke early that day. A moment to sip something warm, nibble on something small but special and then get on with the remainder of the day.
Middle Eastern Stuffed Date Treats
Middle Eastern food is a culmination of a variety of cuisines that encompass some of the most fragrant, culturally rich foods in the world.
Dishes ladened with honey and nuts, others rich with sheep or goat milk cheeses, dried fruits that are intertwined in both sweet or savory dishes.
Meze (tapas), spreads are not something reserved for a special occasion or social gathering. If a guest or friend shows up at your home unexpected, within minutes, a spread of culinary delicacies are quickly laid on the table.
This type of ‘be ready’ culinary celebrations obviously means that the cook in the house knows what to have on hand for any unexpected visitor.
Middle Eastern Tea
I am a second generation Syrian gal, who is most proud of the rich history and Mediterranean food from my ancestors.
You will find a hint of ‘Old World’ in many of the foods and recipes I create. Middle Eastern tea is really just a moment to catch one’s breath from a busy day and refuel.
I can’t think of a better food to refuel on than dried fruits, nuts and a bite of creamy goat or sheep milk cheese.
On this day, an ‘expected’ visitor dropped by. Unexpected visitors, I believe, are a thing of the past. None the less, it was 4:00.
Dates stuffed with goat brie, some nuts, fresh fruits and tea were what I chose to place on a tray for us as we settled in for a lovely ‘girl’s chat’ time. Easy to assemble, beautifully displayed, no fuss but plenty of delight.
Ingredients Needed
- Dates
- Brie
- Pecans or almonds
- Cacao powder
Equipment Needed
- Cutting board
- Small knife
- Small spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Serving Dish
Middle Eastern Stuffed Dates For Tea
Course: Appetizers u0026amp; TapasCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy2
servingsStuffed Dates with goat brie, nuts and a dusting of cacao powder.
Ingredients
Pitted dates – 12
Brie – 8 oz
Pecans or almonds – 12
Cacao powder – 1/2 tsp
Directions
- Slice the dates open long ways, leaving one side still connected and removing the pits.
- Slice the brie into 12 one-inch slices and place inside of the opened date, followed by a nut.
- Give a very light dusting of cacao powder across the top. Serve.
