Medjool Dates with Cream Cheese and Sherry Vanilla Sauce

Medjool Dates with Cream Cheese and Sherry Vanilla Sauce

Formal Description:
Medjool Dates with Cream Cheese and Sherry Vanilla Sauce is an elegant and indulgent dessert that combines the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with the creamy richness of cream cheese and a decadent Sherry Vanilla Sauce. This dessert is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a delightful treat for special occasions or a sophisticated ending to a gourmet meal.

Casual Description:
Medjool Dates with Cream Cheese and Sherry Vanilla Sauce is a fancy dessert that brings together sweet, chewy dates with creamy cheese and a luscious sauce made from sherry and vanilla. It’s like a little bite of heaven that’s perfect for celebrating something special or just satisfying your sweet tooth in style.

History:
The origins of this dessert are somewhat unclear, but it draws inspiration from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, where dates have been enjoyed for centuries. Dates are known for their natural sweetness and have been used as a base for various sweet treats. The addition of cream cheese and a sherry vanilla sauce likely evolved from Western culinary influences, creating a fusion of flavors that is both unique and delightful.

Components:
To prepare Medjool Dates with Cream Cheese and Sherry Vanilla Sauce, you will need the following components:

For the Stuffed Dates:

• Medjool dates (8-10)
• Cream cheese (4 oz or 1/2 cup)
• A pinch of salt
• Chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts) for garnish (optional)

For the Sherry Vanilla Sauce:

• Sherry wine (1/2 cup)
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Heavy cream (1/4 cup)
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons)

Steps to Prepare:

Formal Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the Sherry Vanilla Sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the sherry wine and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

2. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and unsalted butter until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Set aside.

4. Now, it’s time to prepare the stuffed dates. Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise slit in each Medjool date and remove the pit.

5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and a pinch of salt. Mix until the cream cheese is smooth and easy to work with.

6. Carefully stuff each date with a small amount of the cream cheese mixture, using a spoon or a pastry bag.

7. Place the stuffed dates on a serving platter, and you can garnish them with chopped nuts if desired.

8. Finally, drizzle the Sherry Vanilla Sauce over the stuffed dates.

9. Serve your Medjool Dates with Cream Cheese and Sherry Vanilla Sauce immediately, and enjoy!

Casual Instructions:

1. Make the yummy Sherry Vanilla Sauce: Mix sherry and sugar in a little pan until the sugar melts, then let it simmer for a bit until it’s a bit thick. Take it off the heat and add vanilla, cream, and butter. Stir it all together and set it aside.

2. Time to handle those dates! Slice them open and take out the pits.

3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and a tiny bit of salt until it’s creamy.

4. Fill each date with a spoonful of the creamy cheese mix. You can get fancy with a pastry bag if you want.

5. Arrange the stuffed dates on a plate and sprinkle some chopped nuts on top if you like.

6. Now, the grand finale! Pour that fantastic Sherry Vanilla Sauce over your dates.

7. Dig in and savor every bite!

Time Needed:
Preparing Medjool Dates with Cream Cheese and Sherry Vanilla Sauce should take approximately 30-40 minutes, including both the preparation and cooking time. It’s a relatively quick and impressive dessert that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet cravings with a touch of sophistication.

Nutrition Facts for Medjool Dates with Cream Cheese and Sherry Vanilla Sauce (Per Serving):

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

• Calories: 190-220 calories per serving (depending on portion size)
• Total Fat: 11-13 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 7-8 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 35-40 milligrams
• Sodium: 80-100 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 19-22 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
  • Sugars: 15-18 grams
• Protein: 2-3 grams
• Vitamin D: 2-3% DV
• Calcium: 2-3% DV
• Iron: 2-3% DV
• Potassium: 4-5% DV

Health Information:

1. Rich in Natural Sugars: Medjool dates are naturally high in sugars, primarily glucose and fructose, providing a quick source of energy. However, they are also packed with fiber, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

2. Moderate Fat Content: Cream cheese contributes to the fat content of this dessert. While it adds creaminess and flavor, it’s essential to consume it in moderation due to its saturated fat content.

3. Calcium: Cream cheese provides a small amount of calcium, which is essential for bone health.

4. Antioxidants: Dates contain antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid, which can help protect cells from damage.

5. Fiber: Medjool dates are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and may help lower cholesterol levels.

6. Potassium: Dates are rich in potassium, which is crucial for heart health and regulating blood pressure.

7. Vitamins: This dessert contains a small amount of Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, and iron, which is important for oxygen transport in the body.

Note: While this dessert is a delicious treat, it should be enjoyed in moderation, especially if you are watching your sugar intake or are mindful of your fat consumption. It’s best suited for special occasions or occasional indulgence rather than regular consumption in a balanced diet.