Farm Family Recipes

• 2 ½ cups Natural Delights® Medjool dates, pitted
• 8 oz. Cream Cheese, room temp.
• ¾ cup Almonds, toasted and finely chopped
• 3 Tbsp. Sugar
• 1 tsp. Vanilla
• 12 oz. Dark Chocolate, chopped
• Topping:
• ½ cup Fresh Pomegranate Seeds
• 1-½ tsp. coarse Sea Salt

In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, almonds, sugar & vanilla with a mixer or spatula. Blend well until all ingredients are incorporated.
Spoon filling into a piping bag.
Pipe filling into each date using the hole made from removing the pit. Smooth off end to keep tidy for dipping.
Melt chocolate in a medium bowl over a double boiler.
Place chocolate bowl on a work surface. Using your fingers, dip one half to three quarters of the filled dates in chocolate to coat. Leaving the top of the date exposed. Scrape off excess chocolate on the bottom of the date back into the bowl as needed.
Place coated dates on a parchment lined sheet pan.
While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and sea salt.
Chill to set.
Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve then bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor Place Gems in paper candy cups for a nice presentation or gift.