Walnut Stuffed Dates

Delicious sweet snack from the Middle East. Recipe from Toronto Star. Orange and rose blossom water may be purchased in Middle East stores Time to cook does not include refrigeration time.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 35-40 stuffed dates

Ingredients

• 1  lb  whole soft dates, pitted
• 1⁄2 cup walnut pieces
• 3⁄4 cup half-and-half cream
• 2⁄3 cup granulated sugar
• 2  teaspoons  orange blossom water or 2  teaspoons  rose blossom water
• 1⁄4 cup  cocoa
• 1  cup  finely shredded  dried coconut

Directions

1. Slit dates on one side and stuff with walnuts.
2. Close and set aside.
3. In small saucepan, bring cream to boil over medium heat, stirring often.
4. Stir in sugar until it melts.
5. Stir in orange or rose blossom water and cocoa, reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat until misture is cool enough to touch.
7. Spread coconut on plate.
8. Dip dates in cocoa syrup and roll in coconut.
9. Place on a plate or tray and refrigerate, covered, for several hours before serving.