I couldn't help myself with the cheeky title haha
Anyway, we are here to talk about DATES.. the fruit that is.
I love dates, I've always loved dates and more than likely I will always love dates.
In my culture, dried fruit, nuts and crystal sugar pieces are all put together in a bag and gifted to one another.
Typically the crystal sugar pieces (mishri) are always the popular ones to snack on.
I would always go for the dried dates (khajur).
I've been obsessed with them since I was a kid.
We always kept some of the sticky dates at home too, the ones that came in a Styrofoam packet with that weird fork thing in the middle. To this day, I still don't know if I ever used that fork properly.
As I've gotten older, I've loved finding other ways to enjoy them. A few years ago, a friend of mine had me try some oven baked bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goats cheese and they were mind-blowingly delicious.
This Diwali, I made chocolate covered dates covered in rose petals (pictured below)
They were such a treat.
I like to fill them with almond butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a little midday snack. I've even started making a somewhat healthier version of Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Are dates good for us?
Sugar is sugar no matter where we get it from but in terms of swapping out for healthier options, I prefer to eat dates when I crave sweets. I am more of a chocolate girl than sweets so chocolate dipped dates are such a treat!
Dates are an anti-inflammatory food. They are rich in Iron, Vitamins A & B and are great for digestion. I would absolutely include them in your diet a few times a week.
Eat them as they are, pop one in your morning smoothie, stuff them with almond butter and enjoy.
What are your favorite date recipes? Let me know!
Love and light,
Alisha