Dates Stuffed with Cream Cheese and Almonds

For this healthy snack, I started with our recipe for Dates Stuffed with Cream Cheese and simply added some lightly toasted almond slices or slivers.

Quantities are not included, as it's easy to vary the amounts to make as few or as many as needed. As a general rule of thumb, use 3-4 ounces of Neufchatel or cream cheese per 8-ounce package of dates.

RECIPE:

Raw sliced or slivered almonds
Pitted dates
Neufchatel or cream cheese

Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over low to medium-low heat for few minutes until lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.

Cut each date lengthwise along one side to "butterfly ".

Stuff each date with some of the cheese, and then top each with a few of the almond pieces. Gently press each stuffed date partially closed while still exposing some of the cheese and nuts.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use. For best flavor, serve at room temperature.