STICKY DATES WITH LEMON FETA AND WALNUTS

STICKY DATES WITH LEMON FETA AND WALNUTS

The sweet and salty combination of dates and feta cheese is wonderful in these easy-to-assemble party bites. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, try cashews or pistachios.

1 (7-ounce) block feta cheese

Zest and half the juice of 1 lemon

Salt, to taste

20 Medjool dates, halved and pitted

2/3 cup walnut halves

Ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh mint leaves, to garnish

Cut the feta into 40 small cubes, then place them in a medium bowl. Add the lemon zest and juice. Toss lightly, then season with salt. Let stand for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Place 1 cube of feta inside each date half, then wedge a walnut half next to it. Arrange the stuffed dates on a serving platter, then season with pepper and garnish each with a mint leaf.

Servings: 40

(Recipe adapted from Lydia France’s “Party Bites,” Ryland, Peters & Small, 2008)