Goat Cheese and Pistachio-Stuffed Dates

Ingredients

• 4 ounces soft goat cheese
• 3 tablespoons shelled salted pistachios
• toasted and coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
• plus more for garnish
• Freshly ground pepper
• 8 plump
• soft dried dates (preferably Medjool)
• pitted and halved lengthwise

Instructions

1. Stir together the goat cheese, 2 tablespoons of the pistachios, and the chives in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Season with pepper.
3. Arrange the dates, cut side up, on a platter.
4. Fit a pastry bag with a large round tip, and fill it with the goat cheese mixture.
5. Pipe the mixture onto each date half to cover.
6. (Alternatively, pipe the goat cheese mixture using a resealable plastic bag with 1 inch cut from one corner, or simply spread the mixture on the dates with a butter knife.)
7. Garnish the dates with the remaining tablespoon pistachios and more chives.