Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle

Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle: A Simple Yet Elegant Treat

If you’re looking for a quick and elegant dessert or appetizer, these Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle are a perfect choice. With their creamy mascarpone filling, crunchy pecans, and a sweet maple syrup finish, these dates are a delightful combination of textures and flavors. They’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests with their sophisticated taste.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
• 24 Medjool dates, pitted
• 6 oz mascarpone cheese
• 2 tbsp Grade A Dark Amber maple syrup

Directions:

1. Prep the Dates:
Start by preheating your oven broiler and moving the oven rack to the top position. This will ensure the dates get a nice golden finish when broiled.

Slice each Medjool date lengthwise to remove the pit and create an opening for the filling. Medjool dates are naturally sweet and sticky, making them the perfect vessel for the rich mascarpone cheese.

2. Stuff the Dates:
Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each pitted date with mascarpone cheese. Be generous with the filling to ensure each bite is creamy and satisfying.

Once filled, sprinkle the finely chopped pecans over the tops of the stuffed dates. The pecans add a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet dates and creamy filling.

3. Broil the Dates:
Place the stuffed dates on a lined baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced. Drizzle the maple syrup over the dates, allowing it to seep into the filling and coat the pecans.

Broil the dates in the preheated oven for about 3 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning, as the sugar in the dates and maple syrup can caramelize quickly.

4. Cool and Serve:
Allow the dates to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. The warm dates will have a gooey, caramel-like texture, while the room-temperature ones offer a more firm and chewy bite.

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, although these delicious bites are likely to disappear quickly!

Quick Facts:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3 minutes
• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Calories: 70 kcal per date
• Servings: 24 dates

Tips for Success:

• Date Variety: Medjool dates are recommended for their large size and natural sweetness, but you can use other varieties if preferred.
• Nut Alternatives: Feel free to substitute the pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for a different flavor and texture.
• Maple Syrup: Use a high-quality Grade A Dark Amber maple syrup for the best flavor. The rich, deep sweetness complements the dates and mascarpone perfectly.

Final Thoughts:

These Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle are a delightful and elegant treat that’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a special snack. The combination of sweet, sticky dates, creamy mascarpone, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you serve them as a dessert, appetizer, or part of a holiday spread, these stuffed dates are sure to impress. Give them a try and enjoy a quick, delicious treat that’s as beautiful as it is tasty!

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