Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates! Sweet, sticky dates are stuffed full of honey-sweetened, cinnamon-spiced cream cheese, then rolled in crunchy roasted pecans. A perfect snack or appetizer to prepare last minute holiday entertaining!
Have you started planning your Thanksgiving menu yet?
We are going to my in-laws' for Turkey Day, so minus the exception of a contribution or two, I have it pretty easy this year. But I've entertained enough in the 5 months since moving into our new home to know how you might be feeling if you're in charge of feeding the family for the upcoming festivities.
Hosting a dinner of any kind can feel like a lot to juggle, especially for the holidays when feasting is the main event. That's why I've learned {the hard way} that it is essential to strategically plan out a menu that gives you a little wiggle room.
Aside from learning how to delegate {"Aunt Martha, you bring the rolls, please."}, one of the keys to stress-free entertaining is a menu that is comprised of foods of varying difficulties and preparation methods. You already know that your oven will be occupied for several hours while you cook up the bird, so choosing some make-ahead, quick-reheat recipes will ensure that you're not stalling a hungry crowd at 6p.m.
Appetizers and hors d'oeuvres are a great place to pad the menu with no-cook bites and snacks that can be prepared ahead of time. Some of my favorite appetizers include cheese or charcuterie boards with unique cheeses and crackers, veggie platters with interesting dips and spreads, and easy-t0-prepare, "one bite" snacks that won't fill everyone up too much, but will keep mouths busy enough to avoid excessive downtime and dangerous political banter. {I'm looking at you, Uncle Norman. Eat another crostini and zip your lips.}
These Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates came about when I was looking for snacks that I could make a day or two before a party and easily set out when guests arrive. There's nothing like tempting treats to divert the attention while you're putting the finishing touches on other things, and these certainly fit into that category!
A simple {but addictive} Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese mixture comes together quickly, leaving plenty of time for piping into naturally sweet and sticky dates. I use a zip-top plastic bag with the tip snipped as my "piping bag" -- no need for special tools here. Once the dates are stuffed, they're given a quick roll in chopped roasted pecans, which adds a bit of texture and crunch. They can be made a day or two ahead, which is ideal for holiday gatherings when you're looking to cross as many things off the "to do" list as possible before your guests walk in the door.
{As a side note, it has taken me years and years to be able to enjoy dates because they always looked suspiciously similar to Palmetto bugs to me. Talk about Florida Girl problems. I'm glad I got over it, though, because these are too good to pass up! Sorry if I'm not exactly selling this recipe. Haha!}
These dates are fantastic set out on a platter all by themselves, but I also like to add them to my snack boards among other dried fruits, nuts, jams and inviting nibbles.
Where in your menu-planning do you find it easiest to sneak in some shortcuts and time-savers?
If you're struggling to find something a little different {but not too difficult} to serve up this year, I highly recommend giving these a try!
Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
- 24 pitted dates
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened to room temp
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon *
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans
Instructions
- Prepare dates by creating a small slit in the middle using a sharp paring knife. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese, honey and cinnamon until smooth. Spoon into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one of the corners snipped.
- Carefully pipe the mixture into the center of each date until full and just peeking over the edge of the slit.
- Place the chopped pecans on a small plate. Gently dip the exposed cream cheese into the pecans and press lightly to adhere. Repeat with all of the dates.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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