Holidays & Special Occasions
Dulcia Domestica (Honey-Stuffed Dates with Nuts)
Ingredients
- - 24 whole dates, pitted
- - 60 g walnuts or pine nuts, roughly chopped (1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pine nuts)
- - A pinch of ground black pepper
- - 30 ml olive oil, for frying (2 tbsp olive oil, for frying)
- - 120 ml honey, warmed (1/2 cup honey, warmed)
- - A pinch of sea salt, to finish
Method
- Stuff each pitted date with a few pieces of chopped nuts, pressing to close gently.
- Sprinkle the stuffed dates lightly with black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the dates for 1-2 minutes per side, just until lightly caramelised.
- Remove from the pan and arrange on a serving plate.
- Drizzle generously with warmed honey and finish with a small pinch of sea salt before serving.
Native Name: Dulcia Domestica
Cultural Background: A festive Apicius sweet, especially associated with Saturnalia and the turn-of-the-year celebrations, in which dates are pitted, stuffed with nuts, lightly fried and finished with a honey glaze – simple, portable, and rich enough to mark a special occasion.
Tips: Fry the dates briefly and over moderate heat only – they contain natural sugar and will scorch quickly if the pan is too hot.
Variations: Almonds make an equally authentic stuffing in place of walnuts or pine nuts.
Vegetarian / Vegan Note: Vegetarian as written; naturally vegan if honey is replaced with a plant-based syrup.
Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Best served at room temperature; reheating is not necessary.
Nutrition: Approx. 220 kcal, 3 g protein, 34 g carbohydrate, 9 g fat per serving.
FAQs:
Q: Were these eaten at Saturnalia?
A: Yes, sweet stuffed dates of this style are strongly associated with Saturnalia and other Roman festival feasting.
Q: Can these be made ahead for a party?
A: Yes, they can be fried and glazed a few hours ahead and served at room temperature, making them a convenient feast dish.