I came across fresh dates today at the market...

I have no idea how to use them, but I couldn't pass them up. What should I do with them?

Stephanie G
  • 1898 views
  • 8 Comments

8 Comments

Lost_in_NYC August 30, 2017
I have been on a medjool date binge lately and can't stop making variations of these chocolate date power balls! They look & taste like chocolate truffles and are healthy!

Here are some recipes I used as a guideline in the beginning before changing it up to suit my own tastes:
https://cakewhiz.com/chocolate-date-balls/
https://detoxinista.com/raw-brownie-bites-vegan-paleo/

The most recent variation of these that I'm hooked on is made with:
medjool dates
crushed roasted pistachios
crushed roasted almonds
unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
ORANGE Zest
(tablespoon of water ONLY if needed!)

Blitz the ingredients in the food processor and until the mixture comes together (it should be wet but not too loose). Roll into balls or logs and then roll again in cocoa powder. Store in the freezer until ready to eat.

They are great throughout the day and provide an extra burst of energy and natural sweetness!
 
Nancy August 30, 2017
These sound delicious & useful :)
 
Greenstuff August 29, 2017
Just eat them! If they aren't quite ripe and you want to serve them all at once, put them in the freezer for a bit. They soften and sweeten when they thaw.
 
Nancy August 28, 2017
Here's some more info on comparing fresh & dried dates
http://www.livestrong.com/article/527815-fresh-dates-vs-dried-dates/
 
Stephanie G. August 28, 2017
Are they similar to an unripe persimmon in astringency?
 
HalfPint August 28, 2017
More like unripe banana. There is a sweetness that cuts the astringency and the crunch is wonderful. I'm a texture gal, so I love this :)
 
HalfPint August 28, 2017
@Stephanie, do you mean "not dried" ripe dates? If so, I've eaten them raw, much like an apple/pear. Some of them can be astringent, depending on how ripe they are. But I'm told, by the Persian grocer who sells them in my area, that a lot of people like this slight astringency.
 
Nancy August 27, 2017
Variously, fill with cream cheese, mascarpone, nuts (pecan, walnut, almond).
Probably good also with some things that contrast with the sweetness...maybe olives, parmesan, blue cheese.
Serve with medium dry whites, like riesling or gewurtz.
 
Recommended by Food52