Dark Chocolate Pistachio Stuffed Dates

Savour a healthy yet indulgent treat with our Dark Chocolate Pistachio Stuffed Dates, cloaked in rich Belgian dark chocolate. This recipe marries the luscious sweetness of succulent, high-quality dates with the crunch of pistachios, all encased in a layer of decadent dark chocolate, offering a perfect harmony of flavours and textures for an exquisite bite-sized dessert.

Ingredients:

• 10 plump, high-quality Medjool dates, pitted (Prana Dates)

• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

• 200g high-quality Belgian dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) (Callebaut Chocolate)

• Flaky salt for sprinkling (Maldon)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dates:

   • If your Prana Dates are not pitted, make a small incision along one side of each date and gently remove the pit, ensuring the date remains whole.
     

2. Stuff the Dates:

   • Fill each date with chopped pistachios. Press the dates back together to encapsulate the nuts.
     

3. Melt and Temper the Chocolate:

   • Melt the Callebaut Chocolate in a double boiler. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in a handful of finely chopped chocolate until it's smooth again. This quick tempering cools the chocolate to the right temperature for a shiny, snappy finish.
     

4. Coat the Dates:

   • Using a fork or dipping tool, submerge each stuffed date into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
     

5. Set the Chocolate:

   • Lay the chocolate-coated dates on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each date before the chocolate sets.
     

6. Cool:

   • For a quicker set, harden the exterior chocolate in the freezer in just 5-10 minutes, or allow the dates to sit at room temperature for a natural set, or place in the refrigerator for about 10-30 minutes until the chocolate has hardened.
     

7. Serve or Store:

   • Enjoy after the exterior has set for a hardened exterior with a creamy, melted chocolate layer inside, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For that melty interior, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. These can be savoured chilled for a different texture or at room temperature for the full experience of varied textures.

Indulge in this elegant treat that's easy to make but rich in both health benefits and flavour, perfect for a sophisticated dessert or a delightful snack.