Feta Date Cigars with Spiced Walnuts

A sexy appetizer that will leave guests talking!
Complexity Level:  Intermediate

Feta Date Cigars with Spiced Walnuts

What You Need:

6 oz. Cream Cheese, room temperature

6 oz. Feta

1/2 cup Walnuts

2/3 cup Dried Pitted Dates, chopped

1/2 lb Phyllo Dough

2 Sticks Melted Butter

1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg

1/4 tsp Black Pepper

To stat, place the walnuts, cream cheese, feta, nutmeg, and black pepper into a food processor.  Pulsate to blend and chop the nuts into the cheese.  Place this mixture into the freezer for 30 minutes for easy handling, as next it will be rolled into 3 inch long, 1/4 inch thick logs.

While chilling the cream  cheese mixture, place 8 sheets of phyllo dough onto a cutting board, and cut into strips.  Each cigar will use 2 strips.

Be sure to cover the phyllo dough not in use to prevent drying out, and do not get it damp!

To make a cigar, paint a strip with butte, place the cream cheese log 1 inch from the bottom of the strip, folding the top part over to seal the cream cheese mixture into the dough.  Roll tight then repeat with the second phyllo dough  strip and place onto a baking sheet. 

You can prep these in advance and freeze, but you will need a lot of parchment paper to assure separation between each to avoid tearing the dough.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.  These are a fun finger food with an elegant touch.  I love drizzling honey on them for a sweet, floral hint of flavor!

Enjoy!

XOXO,

Aimee Gonzalez