Dates for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Dec 9th, 2009 by Alana
I love dates but I prefer them in meals as opposed to desserts.
Here’s some ideas & tips:
- Buy the pitted ones in a bag. They’re still moist, not dried.
- Three little dates make a quick snack & for me, a great breakfast!
- Make a small slit, push in a sliver of dried Parmesan and a walnut piece. Serve alongside a pork dish or as an appetizer.
- Add to wild rice (chop in half & add dried apricots)
- Make a cheese plate for lunch. Contrast the sweetness with Gorgonzola or a similar cheese. Add crisp apple slices.
- Your choice of wine depends on the other flavors you are serving with the dates. If you are using them in a wild rice dish, try a Merlot or something similarly earthy with kicky fruit. If you are involving blue cheese, try a Dry Riesling or Viogner.
- Keep your dates in the refrigerator after opening. They’ll be fresh for a bout 2 weeks.
*Picture: It’s not a date tree, wish it was!
I love using dates as well. What great tips – thanks! One of my favorite ways to prepare dates is to slit them open and stuff them with ricotta cheese then wrap them with a half strip of bacon and bake them until the bacon crisps up. The salty smokey taste of the bacon with the sweetness of the date is soooooooooo good! Great appetizers! Still pairs well with a good merlot!
I’ve heard about the bacon recipe and thot it was really an odd combo but it’s so popular, I’ll give it a try!