3 ways with... fresh dates

Stuffed dates. Photo / Babiche Martens

1. Get stuffed
For a Middle Eastern nibble with coffee or mint tea, stuff fresh dates with halva, available from delis. Or for a more savoury taste, use cream cheese, goat's cheese or feta.

2. Winter date salads
Fresh dates combine well with a crumbly blue cheese and crispy bacon in a balsamic dressing on baby spinach or salad greens. Add sliced dates, diced pimiento, celery, mandarin segments and a lemony/orangey dressing to a smoked chicken salad.

3. Date and apple crumble
If steamed pud seems too much, make a fresh date and apple crumble (with slivered almonds in the crumble) or dress up a cheesecake with dates poached in a honey syrup.

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