Name: Date Paste
Yield: Makes 1 1/4 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup medjool dates, pitted and packed; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon (heaping) salt

Author Notes: This sweetener happens to be healthier than most, thanks to magnesium, potassium, and a nice dose of fiber. But don't be fooled: it tastes like caramel, and it will add wonderful sweetness to baking or glazing. Add it to recipes in a 1:1 1/4 ratio of regular sweetener to date paste. —Gena Hamshaw

Makes: 1 1/4 cups

Ingredients

1 cup medjool dates, pitted and packed
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon (heaping) salt

Directions

Place the dates into a large bowl. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then pour it over the dates. Allow them to soak for 20 minutes (or up to an hour).
Drain the dates, reserving 1/2 cup of the soak water. Add them to a blender with the reserved water, the vanilla, and the salt. Blend till the mixture is totally smooth.
Date paste can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.