Crispy stuffed dates with whipped feta, sesame, orange, and mild chile

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a bowl, combine the feta cheese, Greek yogurt, half of the orange zest, black pepper, and salt if needed. Mash or blend until thick and spreadable.

3. 3

   Gently open each pitted Medjool date without separating it completely and fill it with about 1 teaspoon of the whipped feta mixture.

4. 4

   Cut the phyllo sheets into 12 strips. Brush each strip lightly with melted butter.

5. 5

   Wrap each filled date with one strip of phyllo dough in a spiral, creating a thin crisp layer around it. Place them on the prepared tray seam-side down.

6. 6

   Bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F, until the phyllo is golden and crisp.

7. 7

   While they bake, stir together the honey, olive oil, mild chile flakes, and the remaining orange zest in a small bowl.

8. 8

   Remove the dates from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes. Brush or drizzle them with the chile honey mixture and finish with the toasted sesame seeds.

9. 9

   Serve warm so the exterior stays crisp and the filling remains creamy.