Date Paste is a versatile alternative for refined sugar in desserts, breads, condiments, marinades or simply just stirred into a plain bowl of oatmeal. It has a neutral, yet caramel flavor that brings richness to any recipe. When shopping for dates, a smooth skin on a dried date indicates freshness, so avoid those overly wrinkled ones. Medjool and Deglet Noor dates are the most commonly consumed varieties. Dates make for a quick sweet treat but don’t get carried away because dates are very calorie dense, important to know if you’re being mindful of your weight.

Ingredients:

1 cup tightly packed chopped dates, pitted

1/2 cup boiling water

Instructions:

1. Soak dates in boiling water for 20 minutes.

2. Toss date mixture into the bowl of a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.

3. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Yields approximately 1 cup.