Makes 12

Ingredients:

12 Medjool dates, washed and pits removed

1 bar dark chocolate (85% cacao content or higher , I use Green & Black's brand)

½ cup Neufchatel cream cheese

2 tablespoons raw honey OR coconut nectar

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Method:

Combine cream cheese, honey, lemon zest and vanilla in a bowl. Mix with a rubber spatula until well blended.

Stuff each date with some of the cream cheese mixture, filling the date as much as possible. Place on a plate.

Chop chocolate bar into small pieces and place in a small sauce pan over low heat. Stir with a spatula until it completely melts. Remove from heat.

Dip each date into the melted chocolate and coat completely. Place the date back on the plate. Repeat with remaining dates.

Place the plate in the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to harden. When the chocolate has completely hardened, serve.

Note:

You could also choose to use fresh orange or apple segments to dip into the melted chocolate and let harden in the fridge if you are not a fan of dates.