Figs Stuffed with Cheese and Nuts

Here’s a simple, quick appetizer for a middle-Eastern feast!

Figs Stuffed with Cheese and Nuts 

½ c. pine nuts

8 oz. (250 g) cream cheese, softened

2 tbsp. grated orange zest

½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

10 fresh figs, washed, stems removed

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the pine nuts on a baking sheet and bake 5 minutes until nuts are lightly toasted. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, cooled pine nuts, orange zest and pepper, mixing until smooth. Slice each fig in half lengthwise. Press about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the cut side of each fig half. Makes 20 stuffed figs, enough to serve 8-to-10.

Split fresh figs lengthwise

Toast pine nuts, combining with ...

Soft cream cheese, orange zest, coarsely ground pepper

Offer figs in small bowl, directly beside ...

Cream cheese mixture, allowing guests to fill figs themselves

Note: This recipe is also excellent made with halved, pitted dates (below).

It's a date! Or a fig - both work well!