GOAT CHEESE AND PISTACHIO-STUFFED DATES

Goat Cheese and Pistachio-Stuffed Dates image

Yield makes 16

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 ounces soft goat cheese
3 tablespoons shelled salted pistachios, toasted and coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
Freshly ground pepper
8 plump, soft dried dates (preferably Medjool), pitted and halved lengthwise

Steps:

Stir together the goat cheese, 2 tablespoons of the pistachios, and the chives in a small bowl until smooth. Season with pepper.
Arrange the dates, cut side up, on a platter. Fit a pastry bag with a large round tip, and fill it with the goat cheese mixture. Pipe the mixture onto each date half to cover. (Alternatively, pipe the goat cheese mixture using a resealable plastic bag with 1 inch cut from one corner, or simply spread the mixture on the dates with a butter knife.) Garnish the dates with the remaining tablespoon pistachios and more chives.