DATE BON-BONS WITH PISTACHIO PASTE

Date Bon-Bons with Pistachio Paste image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 30m

Yield Makes 16

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/4 cup pistachios, preferably Sicilian
1 tablespoon sugar
Pinch of kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon orange-flower water, or almond or pistachio extract (optional)
1/2 to 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil, as needed
8 large dates, such as Medjool, halved lengthwise, pits removed
16 small slivers candied orange peel
1/3 cup dark melting wafers (about 2 ounces), such as Ghirardelli or Merckens, melted; or Tempered Chocolate

Steps:

Pulse pistachios, sugar, salt, and orange-flower water together in a food processor until a fine paste forms. If necessary, add oil, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, to achieve a peanut-butter-like texture; you should have about 1/4 cup.
Fill each hollow in dates (from removing pits) with 1/2 teaspoon pistachio paste; stick a piece of orange peel into paste. Dip one end in chocolate. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let stand until set, about 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 month.