Middle Eastern Stuffed Dates

Middle Eastern Stuffed Dates, with goat cheese and nuts, are an easy nutritional sweet treat nibble at tea time, or on any tapas/meze spread.

Middle Eastern Stuffed Dates Tapas Treats
Middle Eastern Stuffed Dates Tapas Treats

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. 

Often you will find pastries wrapped around many of the foods, like a Soft Cheese Baked inside a pie crust or phyllo dough. Easy for guests to slice a little for themselves.

Many Stuffed Delicacies On A Middle Eastern Meze Spread

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. 

Brie Stuffed Dates with Nuts
Brie Stuffed Dates with Nuts

Dates

I am a second generation Syrian gal (Arab American), 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.

Often, you will find dried fruits and nuts served in a variety of ways and incorporated in to elegant desserts, as you will always find in Maamoul.

Dried dates are loaded with nutrients and also act as a healthier replacement for processed cane sugar.

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 energy boost than dried fruits, nuts and a bite of creamy goat cheese.

Middle Eastern Meze

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.

This style of food service is called Meze. Sort of like tapas or even appetizers.

My guests and I settled in for a lovely ‘girl’s chat’ time. These dates are easy to assemble, beautifully displayed and delightfully healthy. 

Ingredients For Stuffed Dates
Ingredients For Stuffed Dates

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

Stuffed Dates with goat brie, nuts and a dusting of cacao powder.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Tapas
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Middle Eastern Stuffed Dates
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 Pitted dates
  • 8 oz Brie wheel or other soft cheese
  • 12 Pecans or almonds
  • 1/2 tsp Cacao powder

Instructions

  • Slice the dates open long ways, leaving one side still connected.
    Remove 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.
Middle Eastern Stuffed Dates For Tea
Middle Eastern Stuffed Dates For Tea
Robin
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
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