The other day, I was given a box of Dates stuffed with Almonds, chopped Pistachios and Candied Orange Peel. I have eaten a variety of stuffed Dates before, but I can say now Candied Orange Peel Stuffed Dates are my favourite. I loved them so much, so I made them today. You only need Dried Dates and Orange to make this lovely treat, and Candied Orange Peel is easy to make.

Makes

About 30 Pieces

Ingredients

30 Dried Dates *OR as many as required
*Note: I used already pitted Dried Dates
1 Orange
Water for boiling
1/2 cup Water
1/2 cup Sugar

Method
  1. Slice off the top and bottom of Orange, score vertically into quarters, then remove peels.
  2. Cut the peels into 6-7mm wide strips. Place in a saucepan, cover with water, bring to the boil, and cook for 15 minutes, then drain. *Note: This process is for removing the bitterness that comes from the white pith.
  3. Return to the saucepan, add Water and Sugar, and bring to the boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes OR until the liquid is syrupy. Drain and set aside for several minutes, so that they dry slightly. *Note: Do not waste the orange flavoured syrup. It can be enjoyed with Pancakes OR Ice Cream, etc.
  4. To dry the Peel strips further, arrange them on a tray lined with baking paper, and leave in the oven with fan on, until desired dryness is achieved.
  5. *Note: You might be interested in my ‘Sugar Coated Candied Orange Peel’.
  6. Slice Dried Dates in half lengthways, remove the seeds if they are not pitted. Cut the Orange Peel strips into required length, and stuff the Dates with the Orange Peel strips.