Honey Goat Cheese-Stuffed Medjool Dates

Yields: Approximately 10 pieces
Ingredients:
4 ounces fresh goat cheese (chèvre)
1 tablespoon honey
10 Medjool dates, pitted and sliced halfway through lengthwise
¼ cups walnuts, finely chopped
(1) Make a lengthwise cut in each date, remove pit, and gently pinch open to form a pocket.
(2) In a medium-size bowl, blend together goat cheese and honey. Using approximately a teaspoon of honey goat cheese at a time, shape into 10 balls.
(3) Fill each date with a honey goat cheese ball and with index finger, lightly press the ball into each date and smooth the top.
(4) Press the cheese side of each stuffed date into the chopped walnuts. Lightly tap to remove excess nuts, arrange on a platter and serve. Can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
Note: Experiment with other soft cheeses and toppings. Chef Lea often makes stuffed Medjool dates with Brie cheese and freshly chopped chives.