Maple Nut-Filled Dates

Posting for safe keeping From Sunset You can use Bellwether Farms' flavorful, creamy crescenza cheese, made in Sonoma County. or You can substitute another soft cheese, such as teleme or brie.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 10  medjool dates
• 1⁄4 cup  soft cheese (see note above)
• 1  tablespoon butter
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped walnuts
• 1⁄4 cup maple syrup

Directions

1. Cut dates in half lengthwise and remove pits. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon cheese into the cavity of each date half. Arrange dates on a serving plate.
2. Melt butter in a 1- to 2-quart pan over low heat, then increase heat to medium and cook until butter is foamy and starting to brown. Add nuts and stir constantly for 1 minute. Add syrup and reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
3. Lift nuts from the syrup with a slotted spoon and press a few pieces into the soft cheese in each date. Drizzle syrup over the dates and serve warm.