FreshLife Entertaining Platter with Stuffed Medjool Dates and Spiced Nuts
WARM CREAM CHEESE STUFFED MEDJOOL DATES WITH HOT HONEY
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Makes: 12
INGREDIENTS
12 FreshLife Medjool Dates
115 packet g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
35g FreshLife Pistachio Kernels, toasted and finely chopped
For the Hot Honey:
⅓ cup liquid honey
½ tsp apple cider vinegar
¼ tsp mild red pepper flakes
METHOD
Combine the honey, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Heat gently for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside..
Place a dry frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped pistachios, tossing frequently for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a small bowl immediately so they don't overcook.
Preheat your oven to 180°C.
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Slice a shallow, lengthwise cut along the top of each FreshLife Medjool date and remove the pit.
Scoop a teaspoon of the cream cheese into the cavity of each date and arrange the dates face-up on a baking sheet.
Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until the dates are warmed through and the cream cheese is soft.
Plate the warm dates on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the hot honey mixture.
Top with the toasted pistachios. Serve warm.
SPICED NUTS
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Makes: 4 cups of Spiced Nuts
INGREDIENTS
170g (1 pack) FreshLife Natural Almonds
70g (1 pack) FreshLife Pecans
170g (1 pack) FreshLife Natural Cashews
70g (1 pack) FreshLife Pistachio Kernels
1 tbsp olive oil
Spice Mixture
1 ½ tsp sweet smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp fine sea salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
METHOD
Preheat oven to 180°C.
Line a large baking tray or sheet pan with baking paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Place all of the nuts into a large bowl and mix with the olive oil.
Combine all the ingredients of the spice mix, sprinkle over the nuts and stir thoroughly.
Spread the seasoned nuts across the prepared baking tray in a single, flat layer.
Place the tray on the middle rack of the oven and roast for 6 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven and stir the nuts around to ensure they cook evenly.
Return the tray to the oven and roast for another 5 minutes. Check them and, if they are fragrant and the cashews are golden, remove them from the oven. They might need another 2 minutes to ensure they are perfectly cooked,
Once the nuts are cooked, let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
When the nuts are cold, transfer them to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.