Cheese-stuffed dates.
I’ve heard of them. I’ve thought, “Hmm, those sound interesting!”. And yet, it took me over 26 years to finally give them a whirl. Being a Giada recipe, I figured they would 1) be delicious…but 2) not be so kind to the waistline.
However, the respectable 89 calories I spent on each of these Cheese-Stuffed Dates with Prosciutto were some of the best calories I’ve spent all year. No exaggeration.
I made these dates for my Mingle with Melt holiday party and of the 6 of us, 5 chose these dates as their favorite appetizer (of 4 different appetizers). Clearly, they were enjoyed by all.
What makes these even more stupendous is that they cannot only be made ahead of time, but they hardly take any time at all to whip together.
With NYE tomorrow evening, it’s not too late to add these to your appetizer round-up or to bring them to share at your evening’s event. I can almost guarantee that these dates will wow you and everyone you share them with! If you so choose to share them 
Cheese-Stuffed Dates with Prosciutto from Giada De Laurentiis, as seen on Swanky Dietitian
1/4 cup (2 oz) goat cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup (2 oz) mascarpone cheese, a room temperature
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
20 Medjool dates (12 oz), pitted
8 thin slices prosciutto, cut into 20 oblong pieces
20 toothpicks
Directions:
In a small bowl, mix together the cheeses and basil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Gently pull the dates apart and stuff with about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture. Close the dates around the filling. Wrap a piece of prosciutto around each date and secure with a toothpick. Yield: 20 dates.
Nutrition Information (per date): 89 calories; 2.9 g. fat; 9 mg. cholesterol; 185 mg. sodium; 15.6 g. carbohydrate; 1.5 g. fiber; 2.7 g. protein
Result: Um, wow! These were, hands down, the favorite appetizer of the night. Five of the six guests chose this appetizer as their favorite. The flavors worked so well and they come together so quickly. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and kept chilled to make entertaining a breeze! My only wish is that everyone could try these…soon! Enjoy!
So, my “big” news. (No, I’m not pregnant, for those of you who guessed my news!)
I resigned yesterday at my clinic. It’s not that I wasn’t happy there — I was very happy. But I had an opportunity fall into my lap closer to home and to campus where I teach (one clinic is 10 minutes from my house, the other is 10 minutes from where I teach), and knowing my teaching schedule for next quarter, this new opportunity would also not have me working Saturdays…or 6 days a week. Five super hectic, long days…but at least it’s not 6.
So I will still be working 3-ish (long) days at dialysis units, just at different locations and with a different company. I’m very excited about the opportunity, but it’s always hard to say goodbye to co-workers and patients.
My new schedule will be a challenge, as will getting back into the swing of things with work and classes starting next week. Going into the new year, it’s going to be all about quick & healthy meals!
Happy weekend!
These dates sound awesome. I have been obsessed with dates this season. Seriously, they are the true definition of nature’s candy!
Glad to hear you have found a better job to fit your schedule (And your location). This sounds like a much better gig for you. Congrats!
I haven’t had many dates, but these sound awesome. Well, pretty much anything with cheese and prosciutto does in my book…
Glad you found a job that fits your schedule better!
Wishing you a very happy and healthy 2012!
Congrats on the job change! Quick and easy meals seems like the best way to handle a new schedule. Happy New Year!!
Just added these to my NYE menu.
Congrats on the new gig!
These dates look delish and super easy!
Congrats on your new job…….getting that 6th day back is a big deal!
Yes, not low calorie but soo delicious!!!
I haven’t made these in so long (since that last time I think) but I should for the next party I attend.
Have a Happy New Year!!
I love dates – I am definitely going to have to try these sometime soon. Congrats on the new job. Happy New Year!
Those look delicious, Nicole! Congrats on your big news! Having a full weekend off sounds like a much better situation! Best of luck!!
Congrats on your news! Yep, being close to home/school will be a big bonus – and no Saturday workdays – woot!
What is it about you that can make me question everything about my past thoughts on certain foods?!? Your description and photos of these have me DROOLING! And I didn’t think I was into wrapped dates.
Congratulations on the new job opportunity!! I am so happy to hear that you won’t have to travel so far or work so many days a week. You really deserve this!! (And why is that a woman can’t say she has big news without people first thinking pregnancy? haha)
Dates!!! Love ‘em especially when stuffed with cheesy goodness. Congrats on your new venture! It will be amazing with less commuting. Imagine how much more time you will have
Have a happy new year!
mmmm, dates and goat cheese. You don’t have to convince me!
Good luck with everything in the new year! Wishing you much success
Congrats on the new gig!
I can see why they were so popular – yum! And, congrats on your new job!!!
congrats on the news! I bought the stuff to make these today for tomorrow night. I forgot the marscapone…so I might sub some cream cheese! cant wait to try them! Happy New Year!
Thats great news!! Congratulations.
Those dates sound incredible. My aunt made dates stuffed with cream cheese and they were amazing, so I can imagine just how much better they would be like this.
Congrats on the new job! Sometimes we have to make job changes even if we are happy because it is just the right thing for at that time. I am glad you found something closer to your home and teaching. Happy New Year!