Pin A stunning and festive platter featuring dates shaped into moons and stars, filled with nuts and citrus, and elegantly garnished for special occasions.
This recipe brings a unique Middle Eastern & North African flair to your dessert table, impressing guests with its beautiful shapes and flavors.
Ingredients
- Dates & Fillings: 20 large Medjool dates pitted, 50 g blanched almonds, 50 g pistachios shelled and unsalted, 40 g unsweetened shredded coconut, 1 orange zest only, 2 tbsp orange blossom water
- Decoration: Edible gold leaf optional, 1 tbsp sesame seeds, 2 tbsp honey for brushing
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Slice each date lengthwise on one side and remove the pit, keeping the date as whole as possible.
- Step 2:
- Using small cookie cutters, shape half the dates into crescents (moons) and the other half into stars by gently pressing and trimming the fruit.
- Step 3:
- For the filling, lightly crush the almonds and pistachios then mix with the orange zest coconut and orange blossom water until combined.
- Step 4:
- Carefully spoon or press the nut filling into each date shaping it to follow the contours of the moon and star shapes.
- Step 5:
- Arrange the filled dates onto a serving platter in a decorative pattern.
- Step 6:
- Warm the honey slightly and brush over the dates for shine. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and apply edible gold leaf pieces for a luxurious finish if desired.
Pin This platter always brings back fond memories of family celebrations where everyone gathers to enjoy the unique shapes and flavors together.
Required Tools
Small star and crescent moon cookie cutters, small mixing bowl, sharp paring knife, pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts almonds pistachios. May contain traces of sesame. Ensure dates and other ingredients are processed in allergen-safe facilities if required.
Nutritional Information
Calories 100. Total Fat 3 g. Carbohydrates 18 g. Protein 2 g per serving.
Pin This Lunar and Star Date Platter is a delightful treat that’s as beautiful as it is tasty, perfect for any festive occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I shape the dates into moons and stars?
Use small cookie cutters to gently press the dates sliced lengthwise. Half are shaped into crescents (moons), the other half into stars by trimming carefully.
- → What nuts are used in the filling?
The filling combines blanched almonds and unsalted pistachios, lightly crushed and mixed with orange zest, shredded coconut, and orange blossom water.
- → Can I make this platter vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the honey used for brushing with agave syrup to maintain sweetness and shine without animal products.
- → Is there a recommended presentation style?
Arrange the filled dates in decorative patterns on a platter, brushing them with honey, sprinkling sesame seeds, and optionally adding edible gold leaf for a festive look.
- → Are there any allergen concerns?
This dish contains tree nuts like almonds and pistachios and may include traces of sesame. Ensure ingredients are sourced from allergen-safe facilities if needed.
