Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

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Dates: Origins and Varieties

Dates are fleshy, sweet fruits, mainly from the desert regions of the Middle East and North Africa. Their culture dates back millennia, forming an integral part of the diet and culture in these regions. There are many varieties of dates, each with unique characteristics in terms of size, color, texture and taste. Among the best known are Medjool dates, Deglet Nour dates, and Ajwa dates, to name just a few.

Why choose Medjool dates

Medjool dates are often referred to as the “king fruit” for their generous size and soft, meaty texture. They are naturally sweet, with a taste reminiscent of caramel and honey. Their large size and tender flesh make them perfect for stuffing, like in our recipe for Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Covered in Dark Chocolate. In addition, their relatively thick skin allows easy handling when coating with chocolate, guaranteeing an impeccable presentation.

Other Types of Dates and Their Uses

• Deglet Nour : Nicknamed “dates of light”, these dates are smaller and have a firmer texture than Medjool. They are ideal to be eaten as is or used in pastries, where their texture can provide an interesting contrast.
• Ajwa Dates : These small black dates are known for their rich flavor and soft texture. They are often used in traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, notably to make date pastes or energy bars, thanks to their sticky consistency and deep taste.

🔍 Information	Details
⏱️ Preparation time	15 minutes
🍳 Cooking time	None (1 hour cooling)
⏲️ Total time	1 hour 15 minutes
🔧 Difficulty level	Easy
🍽️ Servings	12 dates
🔥 Calories (approximate)	150 calories per date

Ingredients:

• 12 Medjool dates (for their generous size and firm texture which makes them ideal for stuffing)
• About half a cup of creamy or crunchy natural peanut butter (or other nut butter of your choice: almond , cashew, etc.)
• About 3/4 cup good quality dark chocolate
• Finishing to add a touch of flavor, your choice: maple sugar, grated coconut, chopped nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashews, etc.), fleur de sel.

Instructions:

1. Gently score the dates on one side to open them without cutting them completely. Remove the cores.
2. Stuff the inside of each date with your chosen nut butter. Make sure not to overfill so you can lightly close the dates.
3. Melt the dark chocolate pieces. You can use a double boiler or microwave, heating in 30 second intervals.
4. Coat the dates one by one in the melted chocolate, making sure to coat them well. Let the excess chocolate drip off.
5. Apply your chosen finishes to add a touch of flavor and texture before the chocolate hardens.
6. Let the coated dates cool on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in the refrigerator so the chocolate hardens, about 1 hour.
7. Store chocolate-covered dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Q&A on Dark Chocolate Coated Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe

Q: Can other types of chocolate be used in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Although dark chocolate is favored for its contrast with the sweetness of dates and peanut butter, you can opt for milk chocolate or white chocolate depending on your preference. Each will bring a different touch in terms of taste and sweetness.

Q: How to choose the right Medjool dates?
A: For this recipe, select good quality Medjool dates, which are soft, fleshy, and without signs of drying out. They should have a uniform dark brown color and be slightly shiny. Make sure they are plump to make stuffing easier.

Q: Can these dates be prepared in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare these stuffed dates in advance. Once coated in chocolate and solidified, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to two weeks. To serve, you can take them out a few minutes before so that they come to room temperature, which allows you to better appreciate their texture and flavors.

Q: Is there an alternative to peanut butter for people with allergies?
A: For those with peanut allergies, almond or cashew butter is a great alternative. You can also use seed butters, like sunflower butter, which are hypoallergenic and offer a similar consistency for stuffing dates.

Q: What are the best methods for melting chocolate without burning it?
A: Chocolate can be tricky to melt. Use a double boiler with simmering water, not boiling, to avoid direct contact of the bowl with the water. If you opt to microwave, heat in short intervals of 20-30 seconds, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted. Be careful not to overheat to preserve the taste and texture of the chocolate.