Step 1

Use a knife to make a lengthwise slit into the dates, then remove the pits. Use a spoon to fill them with goat cheese.

Step 2

Crush the pistachios with a rolling pin.

Step 3

Top each with a tiny sprinkle of black pepper, sea salt and the tiniest bit of smoked paprika (just a tiny sprinkle has big flavor). Sprinkle on pistachio dust. If desired, add the tiniest drizzle of honey (again, use a small amount to heighten the flavor; too much and it overwhelms).