Date Paste

I love using dates as a sweetener. You get all their natural fiber and goodness and no artificial weirdness. Dates have a rich sweetness that is so earthy and good, and for me ...a little nostalgic as well.

I often puree dates on the weekend and then use the paste in baked goods, oatmeal, overnight oats, or to spread on whole wheat biscuits like jam.

Here is a basic date paste recipe. This is the base that I use, but the spices are easy to change up depending on how you plan to use them.

Date Paste 

Ingredients:

10 dates, pitted (medjool dates are meaty and awesome)
3/4 - 1 cup of water

1/2 tsp baking soda

pinch of salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Put the dates and 3/4 cups of water in a saucepan and bring it to a low boil. Once the dates have been simmering for a minute or two add the baking soda. It will bubble up and get foamy as the baking soda gets to work breaking down the dates. Keep stirring and simmering the dates for about five more minutes. They will begin to fall apart, and when they do add the salt, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir to incorporate and then take it off the heat. Let them cool a bit and then put it all in a blender or food processor. Blend until the dates are completely broken down and you have a nice puree. You can add a bit more water if needed to help them blend. I like to have a jam-like consistency so I only add enough water to blend the dates. Store in a glass jar, and use any time you want a natural sweetener from the earthy flavor of dates.