Dates Stuffed With Hazelnuts And Chocolate - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/3 cup hazelnuts, finely chopped
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
30 dates, fresh
For the Hazelnut Paste
1 3/4 cups chopped hazelnuts
2 egg whites
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon hazelnut-flavored liqueur (optional)

Preparation

First, make the hazel nut paste by combining the 1 3/4 cup chopped hazelnuts, egg whites, confectioners' sugar and hazelnut liqueur (optional) in a food processor to form a paste (Mixture can be refrigerated, covered, up to 2 weeks).
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place hazelnuts on a baking sheet; toast in oven until lightly browned, 3-5 minutes, watching closely so they don't burn. Set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, slice each date on one side to form a pocket; set aside.
Mix 1/3 cup hazelnut paste and chocolate in a bowl; spoon the hazelnut/chocolate mixture into each date. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the filling.
Serve or refrigerate up to 1 week.