Simple But Luscious Appetizer: Stuffed Medjool Dates

With their rich succulence, sweetness and juicy flesh, there's nothing in the world quite like a Medjool date. Often called the "Cadillac of Dates," Medjools are truly a thing of beauty. Medjool dates have natural sugar crystals that give its skin a slight shimmer, and when you bite into one, you'll immediately notice the rush of flavors hinting at wild honey, cinnamon and caramel. They're truly one of nature's most delectable treats! Here's a fast, fantastic appetizer perfect for the holidays using luxury ingredients!

Recipe Courtesy of Randy Altig

What you need:

• 40 Medjool dates

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese*

• 1/2 cup shelled, roasted and salted pistachios, chopped

• 2/3 cup pomegranate arils

• Zest from 1 large orange

• Juice from 1/2 large orange

What you need to do:

Make a lengthwise slit in each date then squeeze the ends toward each other to open the fruit and remove the pit.

Stuff each date with 1 tsp mascarpone cheese. Press 6 to 10 pomegranate arils into mascarpone cheese. Press a pinch of chopped pistachios in the mascarpone cheese in each date. Sprinkle orange zest over top of the dates. Drizzle juice from 1/2 orange over filled dates. Chill and serve.

Makes 40 stuffed dates

Chef's notes: if you are short on time, you can make these the night before, up through adding the pomegranate arils and pistachios. Cover and refrigerate. Zest and squeeze juice from the orange just before serving.