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Parsnip-Wrapped Stuffed Dates

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time28 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: blue cheese, gluten free, Medjool dates, parsnip, whole almonds
Servings: 24 dates
Author: GFchow @ gfchow.com

Equipment

  • 24 wooden toothpicks, soaked in water

Ingredients

  • 1 medium-large parsnip preferably 2–3" wide, trimmed and peeled into long, thin ribbons
  • 1/4 cup gluten free soy sauce I use San-J
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika regular paprika is a good substitute
  • 3 1/2 ounces blue cheese about 2/3 cup, See NOTES section below
  • 24 pitted dates preferably Medjool, cut vertically but not all the way through, if possible
  • 24 whole almonds raw, roasted, or smoked

Instructions

  • Place rack in middle of oven and preheat to 450°F. Place toothpicks in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from burning while the dates cook.
  • Remove the outer layer of the parsnip with a peeler. Then lay parsnip flat on a surface, preferably a cutting board, and using the peeler, go from the base of the parsnip to the tip to create the ribbons.
  • Next, whisk gluten free soy sauce, paprika, and 1/4 cup oil together in a medium bowl. Add parsnip ribbons, toss to combine, and let sit 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, stuff blue cheese (between 1/2 - 1 teaspoon) into each date. Place 1 almond in the center of each. Then wrap parsnip ribbons around each date, using 2 ribbons if necessary to cover middle section. Secure parsnip-wrapped date with a toothpick, trying to go around the almond. Arrange dates on a parchment-lined, rimmed baking sheet. Set extra soy sauce mixture aside.
  • Bake the dates for 5 minutes. Brush dates with remaining soy sauce mixture. Continue to bake until parsnip ribbons are browned and slightly crisped, about 3-4 minutes longer. Total bake time is 8-9 minutes. Remove toothpicks, if desired. Let cool for 5-10 minutes and then serve dates on a platter.

Notes

Dates can be assembled 1 day ahead; cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before baking.
Many blue cheese varieties contain small traces gluten. If blue cheese upsets your stomach or causes you any reactions try Rosenborg, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, or Rogue Creamery. They all produce versions of blue cheese not fermented in gluten-based spores.
This recipe can easily be doubled or halved.