Heavenly dark chocolate dipped walnut stuffed dates

My go-to Christmas Day nibble!

If you’re looking for that perfect festive treat that’s refined sugar-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free, then look no further than these dreamy dark chocolate covered walnut stuffed dates. I make these every year at Christmas and they always go down an absolute storm. Not only are they the ideal snack or dessert to satisfy a sweet tooth, they are also super simple to whip up, leaving enough time in the kitchen to focus on that all-important Christmas dinner.

(makes 25)

Ingredients

• 25 medjool dates
• 25 walnut halves
• 150g dark chocolate (at least 70%)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• Sea salt (optional)
• Chopped pistachios (optional)
• Coconut flakes (optional)

Cut a small slit in each date, length-ways, being careful not to cut all the way through, and remove the pit.

Place a walnut half in each of the dates, and set aside on a plate lined with baking parchment.

Gently melt the dark chocolate and the coconut oil in a bowl over a pan of simmering water (low to medium heat), and then remove from the hob.

Using a cocktail stick, dip each date into the dark chocolate, ensuring it is completely covered, and place on the lined plate, removing the cocktail stick.

Sprinkle with any, or all, of the above toppings, then place the plate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.