Name: Katy's Dates with Ancho Chili Oil
Yield: Makes 20 or 30 stuffed dates
Ingredients: 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder; 1/2 cup minced walnuts; 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated orange zest; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 10 Medjool dates, cut in halves or thirds and pitted; 8 thin slices Serrano ham or prosciutto, cut into 3/4-inch-wide strips

Image may contain Food Pork Meal and Dish

Katy's Dates with Ancho Chili OilDavid Loftus and Andra Nelki

I first met Katy Sparks in the flesh at New York City's French Culinary Institute. We were both there to teach on a mentorship program, and since I was already wild about the food at her restaurant, Quilty's, I made a beeline for her and insisted we become friends and spend lots of time eating together. For fun, Katy and I have given several cooking classes working as a duet; she made these dates at our first class together. They are just the kind of thing I find irresistible — sweet, crunchy, juicy, spicy — you name it, they've got it. Once you have the ingredients, they're very easy to put together.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

16 Ways to Cook With Chile Oil
Whether homemade or store-bought, chile oil will add a welcome hit of heat and flavor to almost anything you cook.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

31 Cashew Recipes That Go Beyond the Snack Bowl

Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

13 Types of Nuts and How to Cook With Them

Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.

Recipe notes

16 Ways to Cook With Chile Oil