Stuffed Date + Walnut Apple

We live in a world of opportunities – countless of them, that erupt from every nook and corner. We also live in a world of easy influences, innumerable information outlets that manage cross our paths every hour of the day. Social media is perhaps the strongest source of this – whether it is fake news, unsupported or unverified research or simply a trend that was half-heartedly posted about. We live in a world that is full of halves – and the more I realise this truth, the more I worry about the dangers. We get swayed so easily, indulge in flimsy conversations, feel the urge to make quick decisions, and I am guilty of this too from time-to-time. But a conscious self-evaluation helps set you right, bring you back to the essence of what you want in your life.

There is a good solid rationale behind my passion for food – it’s real, tangible and has logical reasoning. You know that if you whisk eggs into butter and sugar, followed by flour, the chemistry will work to bake into a cake. There is surety, there is comfort. It helps you think straight and believe that most things are very much in your control. It brings me down to earth – the realities and in a very positive fearless way.

Now, this recipe is another tangent of surety, comfort and warmth. This recipe is for one, simply multiply for the number of guests you have – or on how greedy you’re feeling. The dates are cooked quickly in orange juice and spices, with nuttiness from ground walnuts, then stuffed into the apple, and baked to glory in a matter of 20 minutes – perfect to be served with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

Of course, this is an extremely adaptable recipe – one that you make your own based on your likings, cravings and most importantly, what’s in your fridge! A few other ideas: chocolate, peanut butter, chopped up candies, pretzels, fresh fruits and berries, nuts – you know the drill!