Medjool Dates with Goat Capricho and Walnuts

By Jun Belen

Deep reddish brown. Crinkled skin. Richly sweet. Its sweetness reminds me of caramel and subtle hints of wild honey. Medjool dates are one of my favorite things.

My love affair with this Moroccan confection started not too long ago. Four, or maybe five Christmases ago. My friends, Scott and Francis, invited me to their annual holiday party. I almost didn’t go because I absolutely hated going to Christmas parties alone. I was alone at that time. Alone and lonely. I was the token single guy in a roomful of cheery couples. Think Bridget Jones. After a few glasses of bubbly, bored and buzzed, I headed over to the buffet table to check out Francis’ infamous holiday spread. Grilled flank steak skewers. Cheese and olives. Salmon canapés. And there it was. Medjool dates filled with goat cheese and topped with walnuts. Love at first bite. As I took my first bite, my teeth sinking in its warm, chewy and sticky flesh, I fell in love instantaneously. And helplessly. For the rest of the evening, I stood in one corner, away from everyone, and happily drowned myself in a plate of delicious dates.

Medjool Dates with Goat Capricho and Walnuts Recipe

California-grown Medjool dates, pitted
goat cheese, or a soft cheese like blue cheese
walnuts, halved or almond slivers

Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F.

Fill the pitted dates generously with goat cheese. I particularly love the Spanish Capricho made from goat milk. I prefer its delicate flavors over the bolder, more pungent blue cheese. Top the cheese-filled dates with walnuts, line them up them on a baking tray and warm the dates in the oven for around 10 minutes.

I made these fabulous Medjool dates for our Spanish-themed dinner party a few weeks ago and everyone loved it. These sweet and sticky treats paired very well with a light and refreshing Albariño.

In San Francisco, California-grown Medjool dates are available in bulk at the Rainbow Grocery Store and at the Alemany Farmers’ Market.

Published on August 25, 2010

M.

this is such a treat!!!
first time I tried stuffed dates was at Samovar Tea lounge…loved them ever since…always party favorite, and so easy to make, too.
Jun Belen

Perfect with tea, too. So easy to make yet ssoooo good.
J
Emma

Yum! I love dates, but haven’t had it stuffed. I will definitely try your recipe.

On that note, I have to share that my exposure to dates comes in the form of Food for the Gods that my mom makes every year come Christmas time. She makes a tons and gifts them to family and friends. I would help her either by chopping up the dates (not sure if they were Medjool) and walnuts or by wrapping up each scrumptious piece. I will have to remind her to ship a big batch to me this Christmas. Haha.
Jun Belen

I forgot about food for the gods!! Thank you, Emma for reminding me!! Those do have dates… but also not sure if they’re Medjool. Try stuffing it with cheese… they’re so good!
J
Annapet

Juancho and I haven’t gone home to the desert in years though I remember him enlightening me on the medjool dates growing in front of their house in Rancho Mirage. I hope it’s still there and producing. Buti na lang meron TJ nearby! Thanks for this and tip on wine pairing.
Pepy @Indonesia Eats

For me, dates have a relation with Ramadan

Every Ramadan, dates are everywhere in Indonesia. But, I never combine them with goat cheese and walnuts. I can imagine how good they are.
Julie

Yum! I will try your version. I like to stuff Medjools with an almond, wrap in bacon and bake until crisp. They are always a hit… If I leave any for my guests!
Maria @ Scandifoodie

I am not kidding, this is what I would have as my last meal! I LOVE all three ingredients and will definitely try this as soon as I stock up on dates and goat’s cheese again! Thanks for sharing, I can’t wait to have this!
jamie @ jamelafamela

i love dates as well. they’re the perfect sweet snack. i usually fill them with almond butter- i never thought about goat cheese! looking forward to tasting this later tonight- thanks for the idea
jules

yum…how simple and delicious a perfect bite can be
Jean

I love Medjool dates, too. This is such a simple, elegant presentation for the beauties. As usual, well done!
iya

i can do thiiiissssss!!! so simple yet so sosyal. ahlavet!!!
Liren

I walked by some beautiful Medjool dates in the market today, now I’m having date regret! This would be the perfect snack for me right now!
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Medjool Dates with Goat Capricho and Walnuts

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