Choc-coated medjool dates with orange & ricotta

Prep 30 mins + 30 mins setting time | Cook about 5 mins | Serves 16

These delicious dates are excellent served after dinner with espresso coffee.

16 (about 400g) plump fresh Medjool dates
125g fresh ricotta
2 tsp caster sugar
1 tsp finely grated orange zest
150g good quality dark chocolate, chopped

Step 1 Cut dates lengthways on one side through to the seed. Remove seed and gently ease dates open. Place a sheet of baking paper on a baking tray.

Step 2 To make the filling, combine ricotta, sugar and orange zest in a small bowl. Beat until smooth. Using a teaspoon, evenly spoon ricotta mixture into dates. Gently press to close. Place dates on baking tray.

Step 3 Place chocolate into a small heatproof bowl (or use a double saucepan). Place bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring bowl does not touch water, melt chocolate, stirring occasionally with a metal spoon, until smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 4 Drizzle dates with melted chocolate and set aside until chocolate is set. Serve immediately or store in a sealed plastic container lined with baking paper in the fridge. Use within 3 days.

Good for you ... Dates

A good source of dietary fibre which is helps keep the intestine functioning normally.

Fresh dates are a source of vitamin C, which contributes to the normal functioning of the body’s immune system.

Provide some folate, a B vitamin that is needed for normal formation of blood cells.

A source of potassium which may help balance the effects of the sodium from salt in the diet.