Surprise Bites

From Snehal Anup S., Mumbai, India

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Ingredients:

• 6 to 7 large dates
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts and dried fruits (such as almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and dried apricots or figs)
• 180 grams dark or milk chocolate (for coating)
• 1 teaspoon butter (optional, to help with chocolate melting)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dates: Make a small slit lengthwise in each date and carefully remove the seeds, keeping the date as intact as possible.
2. Prepare the Filling: Finely chop the mixed nuts and dried fruits. You can use a food processor to pulse them until they are finely chopped but not a paste.
3. Stuff the Dates: Take a small amount of the nut and fruit mixture and stuff it into each date. Press gently to ensure the filling stays in place.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Coating: Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Add butter to the chocolate (optional) to make the coating smoother and shinier.
5. Coat the Dates: Dip each stuffed date into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Use a fork to lift the date out, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Place the chocolate-coated dates on a baking sheet lined with butter paper.
6. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated dates for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set completely.
7. Serve: Once set, transfer the stuffed dates to a serving platter. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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