Dates (tamr in Arabic) are enjoyed and cherished like no other fruit in the Arab world. They were once sustenance for the people living in the harsh desert lands. Dates are used to add sweetness to savory rice dishes, and in the UAE, partnered with grilled and fried fish. Dates are made into jam, and used as a stuffing in pastries. Welcome your friends the traditional way with a platter of these decadent dates, and of course a tiny cup of fragrant Arabic coffee anyime of the day.
MAKES: 22 dates
INGREDIENTS:
- 22 top-quality dates (such as medjools)
- 22 blanched almonds
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese
- ¼ cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ cup ground pistachios, to garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Slice each date lengthwise to remove the pit and open them for the stuffing. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place the blanched almonds on a baking sheet and roast in the hot oven just until lightly golden. Remove and cool. Place an almond inside each one of the dates.
- In a bowl place the ricotta cheese, mascarpone, cream, nutmeg and cardamom and whisk to combine well.
- Place in a pastry bag with a thin star-shaped nozzle and fill each date, exposing the filling. Arrange on a nice platter. Garnish with a pinch of chopped pistachios. A perfect sweet finish to any meal.
