Congratulations to Carole Resnick from Cleveland, OH, she’s the Winner of our Cookin’ Stuff Recipe Contest - December 2005!

Entry Date: 12/10/2005

Recipe Title: Cranberry Stuffed Dates
Category: Appetizer
Suggested Number of Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Ingredients:

Cranberry Stuffed Dates
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
1 Teaspoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated
2 Tablespoons dried cranberries, finely chopped
16-18 large dates, pitted and split
2 Tablespoons pecans, finely chopped

Instructions:

In a medium bowl combine the cream cheese, the sugar, the vanilla, the orange juice and the orange zest. Beat until well combined and smooth. Stir in cranberries.

Stuff each date with the cream cheese mixture and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Transfer to a serving plate. If desired, garnish plate with strips of orange peel.

Additional Comments:

“A wonderful and easy appetizer for the holiday season. At other times of the year substitute another dried fruit for the dried cranberries. Also, any type of nut can be used. For example, use finely chopped dried pineapple with macadamia nuts.”