Dates: A Piece of the Middle East| Recipes Articles

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There is no love sincerer than the love of food.

- George Bernard Shaw

Dates: A Piece of the Middle East

Cutting back on processed and/or traditional sugar is easier when you add the world's oldest known cultivated fruit into your diet. Single seeded, dates grow on the date palm tree, have the highest sugar content of any fruit (60 percent), high in fiber, and are purported to increase sexual stamina and be a hangover helper. What's not to love? It doesn't hurt that they are just plain delicious.

Evidence shows that dates have been cultivated in the Middle East since 6000 to 4000 BC and were introduced agriculturally to Americans in the late 19th to early 20th century. Popularized during WWI and WWII while rationing took place, your Grandma's recipe file probably has a few date bread and desserts in it.

There are hundreds of varieties of dates but the type seen most commonly here are the Medjool dates. Prized for their large size, caramel like sweetness, and soft texture, they are considered to be the diamond of the dates. Truly versatile, dates are easily incorporated into savory and sweet dishes and little bites. You can stuff, puree, blend, bake, and wrap them. Here are a few ideas to get you going.

Pureed aka Date Paste: Cover any amount of pitted dates with boiling water and let sit for 20 minutes. Drain and reserve soaking water and put dates into blender/food processor. Blitz until smooth, adding some soaking water as necessary. Spread on toasted bread and top with Manchego cheese and prosciutto. Make it chocolate by adding a few tablespoons of high quality cocoa powder for a guilt free chocolate spread.

Stuffed: Stuff an almond (or any nut) and a piece of dark chocolate into the pitted date. Wrap in waxed paper and twist at both ends to transport as a snack.

Baked: When making a quick bread/muffins/loaf cake, chop one cup finely (soak in some rum if you'd like and drain;drink soaking rum) and add to the batter.

Wrapped: Stuff a pitted date with a nub of goat cheese/feta and wrap with pancetta/bacon and spear with a toothpick. Pan fry or bake at 450 degrees for about ten minutes, until pancetta/bacon is crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Blended: In a blender with 2 cups of the milk of your choice, blend 4-5 dates and a whole frozen banana until smooth. Add a bit of maple syrup if you desire more sweetness. Ramp it up a bit more by adding a shot of rum!