Savory Sweet Blue Cheese & Date Delight
Inspired by a beloved recipe from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, this Savory Sweet Blue Cheese & Date Delight combines the sharpness of blue cheese with the natural sweetness of dates, all balanced out by the crunch of toasted pecans. Initially crafted by Ann Sprague in Smyrna, with roots tracing back to her neighbor Velinda Warda, this dish has become a favorite for gatherings. Whether served as a creamy spread or rolled into delightful cheese balls, it's perfect for pairing with fresh apple slices, crisp celery sticks, crunchy tortilla chips, or your favorite crackers. Ideal for any cocktail party or casual get-together, this spread is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor profile that is both zesty and indulgent.
60
Servings
40
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pecans (toasted and finely chopped)
1 1/2 cups (measured, then toasted and chopped fine)
Low-fat cream cheese
16 ounces (softened (lower fat Neufchatel suggested))
Blue cheese
4 ounces (crumbled)
Sharp cheddar cheese
4 ounces (grated (approximately 1 cup))
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Lemon
1 large (zest only (save pulp or juice for another purpose))
Freshly grated black pepper
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (none)
Chopped dates
8 ounces (none)
Pecans (for coating, optional)
1 1/2 cups (toasted and chopped fine)
Instructions
1
Preheat your iron skillet over medium heat or set your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using the skillet, add 1 1/2 cups of pecans and toast them gently, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly browned. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes. If toasting in the oven, spread the pecans onto a baking sheet and toast them for about 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
2
Once toasted, remove the pecans from heat and let them cool slightly before finely chopping.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, grated sharp cheddar cheese, salt, lemon zest, and freshly grated black pepper. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend the mixture until it becomes fluffy and smooth.
4
Gently fold in the chopped dates and toasted pecans, mixing until evenly distributed.
5
If you plan on shaping the mixture into cheese balls, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about one hour to firm it up. Once chilled, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, then roll the balls in the additional chopped pecans to coat.
6
You can serve this delight immediately or allow it to chill overnight for improved flavor. Serve it cold or at room temperature alongside apple slices, celery sticks, tortilla chips, and crackers.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Sweet Blue Cheese & Date Delight?
It is a creamy appetizer spread or cheese ball recipe that combines sharp blue cheese and cheddar with the sweetness of dates and the crunch of toasted pecans.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe produces approximately 60 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 40 calories, 3g of fat, 2.5g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein.
What kind of cream cheese should I use?
The recipe suggests 16 ounces of softened low-fat cream cheese, such as Neufchatel.
How do I toast the pecans for this recipe?
You can toast them in an iron skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be for toasting pecans?
The oven should be set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much blue cheese is required?
You will need 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese.
What type of cheddar cheese is best for this delight?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces (approximately 1 cup) of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
How do I prepare the lemon for this recipe?
Use the zest of one large lemon only; you can save the pulp and juice for another use.
Can I make this into cheese balls?
Yes, by chilling the mixture for one hour to firm it up, you can roll it into balls and coat them in additional chopped pecans.
What should I serve with this blue cheese and date spread?
It pairs perfectly with apple slices, celery sticks, tortilla chips, and various crackers.
Is it better to serve this immediately or chill it?
While it can be served immediately, allowing it to chill overnight helps improve the overall flavor.
What is the origin of this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a dish from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, originally crafted by Ann Sprague and Velinda Warda.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated black pepper.
Should the pecans be chopped fine?
Yes, the pecans should be toasted and then finely chopped before being folded into the mixture.
Are there dates in this recipe?
Yes, 8 ounces of chopped dates are folded into the cheese mixture.
Do I need a hand mixer?
A hand mixer or a spatula can be used to blend the cheeses until fluffy and smooth.
Is there a specific serving temperature?
You can serve this dish either cold or at room temperature.
Can I use the pecans as a coating?
Yes, an additional 1 1/2 cups of toasted, finely chopped pecans can be used to coat the cheese balls.
What makes this dish savory and sweet?
The sharpness of the blue and cheddar cheeses provide the savory elements, while the dates provide natural sweetness.
Is this a good party food?
Absolutely, it is described as ideal for cocktail parties and casual get-togethers.
How much total pecan amount is used if I use the optional coating?
If using the coating, you will need a total of 3 cups of pecans (1.5 cups for the mixture and 1.5 cups for coating).
Does the recipe contain fiber?
The nutritional data provided does not specify the fiber content.
What is the preparation for the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened at room temperature before mixing.
How long should I toast pecans in the oven?
Pecans should be toasted for about 5 minutes in the oven, watching closely to avoid burning.
Can I use tortilla chips with this?
Yes, crunchy tortilla chips are one of the recommended items for pairing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What category of food is this?
This falls under appetizers, snacks, and spreads.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
The specific cholesterol amount is not listed in the nutritional facts provided.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple mixing and chilling steps.