A Date for Any Occasion

I met up with my friend Raya late last week. Her dog Sampson had died just a few days prior. We remembered the very, very large animal over a few Basil Haydens. I convinced her to put together a service of sorts for him. She agreed on a potluck for Sunday late afternoon.

I thought about what to make for the occasion. Originally I wanted to bring what I consider funeral food – a bagel platter with cream cheese, smoked fish (lox and whitefish) and all the trimmings (lettuce, onion, tomato, sliced cheeses.)  Sometimes being from a Jewish family is really delicious. But I decided instead to bring what could either be an hors d’oeuvre or dessert.

I wanted to mix and match sweetness and savory. It’s conflicting messages to the tongue, much like the death of a loved one. There’s sadness, yet comfort in knowing the person or pet is no longer in pain. Like dear Sampson. And while I’m on the topic of pets – I wanted to give a shout out to our beloved Bianca. She’s been featured on Endless Simmer for her delicious Halloween costume when she dressed as a Double Stuffed Oreo. Liza’s cat also passed away this year. We will miss them both.

But on to the food.

Feta Dates with Pepper and Honey

Cut the date in half, take out the pit, gently stuff with feta cheese. Crack pepper, either black or a peppercorn blend, onto a flat plate. Lightly stamp the cheese into the pepper. Drizzle honey over top to serve.

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7 comments

  • Liza March 7, 2011  

    Thank you for the shout out to my sweet Bianca. I miss her so incredibly much. Getting together and creating dishes is a wonderful way to remember and talk about your loss.

  • Dad gansie March 7, 2011  

    Dear Raya & Bianca:: and all animal lovers ;; sorry for your loss

  • Borracho March 7, 2011  

    Tasty as can be and thanks for the post, we have been looking for some new snacks and this fits the bill

  • Britannia March 7, 2011  

    These look delish, and make a great picnic snack too. A keeper for sure.

  • gansie March 7, 2011  

    i think it’d be great for a picnic bc the feta is quite a durable cheese and will taste fab at a lot of different temperatures. just make sure to bring the honey separately and squeeze on just before eating.

  • TheGourmetCoffeeGuy March 8, 2011  

    Sorry to hear about Sampson, dogs area great family members and so hard to lose them.

    Your Feta Dates with pepper and honey: what an incredible recipe! And looks so easy. We will prepare them for an upcoming get together and recommend your blog. Very nice post.

  • Marija March 13, 2011  

    So easy, yet amazing way to serve dates!

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