Sweet and Salty Date Mix

The holidays are hectic enough and we could use a few easy party recipes. It’s always welcoming to have snacks to nibble on as guest arrive, and this recipe is a simple and satisfying treat. The Sweet and Salty Date recipe is exactly what the title implies, but it’s also warm and chewy in the most delightfully way. The best part is that it goes directly from the oven to the table for easy entertaining.  Enjoy this dish with flatbread, rustic bread, festive beverages and plenty of holiday cheer.  This recipe is featured in Inside Northside Magazine’s November/December 2020 issue along with my Zesty Marinated Olives with Goat Cheese. We’d like to see your version. Share your creation by tagging us on Instagram at @InsideNorthside and @y_delicacies.  

Sweet and Salty Date Mix

Yvette Zuniga Jemison YDelicacies.com

Servings: 6-8

1/2 cup olive oil

2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for serving

2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon thyme

½  teaspoon cayenne

14-16 Medjool dates (about 8 oz.), pitted and torn in half 

1 cup unsalted walnut halves

1 cup whole cashew 

Zest from 1 large orange, removed in long wide strips

Flaky salt, for topping

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2.  Stir the oil, kosher salt, smoked paprika, thyme and cayenne in a medium bowl until combined. Add the dates, walnuts, cashews, and orange zest and stir until well coated. 

3. Pour into a rimmed baking dish. Bake until the nuts deepen in color, and the dates are chewy, stirring half way thorough cooking time, about 20 minutes. 

4. Stir to coat with the seasoned oil, sprinkle with kosher salt. Serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread or flatbread.