The date is an amazing and versatile fruit. On its own it is so sweet and delicious that it satisfies even the sweetest tooth. So, if you are trying to stay away from those evil refined sugars but are in the mood for something sweet, rich and chewy, this is an excellent subsitute. Not only are dates packed with flavour, but they are also filled with vitamines and minerals that our body needs.
This is a very simple recipe that does not require a lot of time or baking. I came up with this because I have been trying to come up with tasty and sweet treats, without the guilt, that I can share with my family and friends.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.
You will need:
1 cup of dried, pitted dates
1 cup of crushed nuts (I use almonds and raw cashews)
1 Cinnamon stick
1 vanilla pod
1 Tsp. of Lemon juice
3 Tbsp of water
A handful of almonds (for garnishing)
In a small pot, combine the dates, lemon juice, water. Stir together and simmer on low for approximately 5 minutes. Add the cinnamon stick. Open the vanilla pod and scrape out the beans and add to the pot. Gently stir the mixture and allow to simmer on low for about 15 minutes or until the mixture thickens to a paste-like consistency. Remove from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
In the meantime, in a food processor, add in 1/2 cup of almonds and 1/2 cup cashews and mix until they are coarse crumbs. Be careful not to mix them too much or else it will turn into flour.
When the date mixture has cooled, remove the cinnamon stick and fold in the crushed nuts and mix until the dates and nuts form a lump.
Then, on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, use a teaspoon to pick up the mix and then shape them into tiny squares. On the top of each square, carefully press in a whole almond. Then, cover and put the squares in the freezer to set for approximately 2 hours.
Once the squares have set, make a nice cup of tea and enjoy them--guilt-free!!
