Make something exciting and healthy for snack time

Stuck in a snacking rut? When you snack a lot, you tend to prepare the same things over and over again. Yoghurt with fruit, cheese and crackers, a sliced apple with peanut butter.

If you're in need of a change then reach for the region's handiest and most traditional fruit — the date. The answer was here all the time!

Cheesy dates

It's not a combination many would consider, but the mix of sweet and savoury from date and cheese is something worth trying.

For an easy canapé recipe that's vegetarian and gluten-free, delicious honey-drizzled dates stuffed with goat's cheese and almonds and flavoured with thyme, are a definite winner.

Follow these simple instructions:

1. Heat a few tablespoons of honey and most of the thyme leaves in a small pan until warm. Add a pinch of salt; set aside while you prepare the dates.
2. Use a small knife to cut a slit lengthways into the side of each date. Remove the stone and replace with a blanched almond. Spread some of the goat’s cheese into the gap, then sit, cheese-side up, on a platter.
3. Drizzle over the honey and scatter with a few more thyme leaves and chopped almonds to serve.

The vegan date

Stuff the date with a pretzel nugget and dip the bottom and sides in dark chocolate for a yummy, vegan treat.

Roll them in crushed nuts for extra texture, taste and crunch.

The peanut butter stuff

Stuff the date with smooth peanut butter, top with an almond and some crunchy sea salt, and dip the bottom in chocolate.

It's a years-old, winning combination that's super tough to beat on fun and flavour.