If you have ever thought that a date is, well just a date, think again. A visit to the date markets in the Middle East will soon change your mind as you discover the various types. Purveyors of dates are now offering them covered in succulent chocolate coatings. Try dates bathed in a tempting coating of chocolate rolled in coconut, or chocolate infused with coffee, orange or maple flavours. Want some heat? Try spicy jalapeno chocolate covered dates.
Here in North America, we are most likely to find the large fleshy Medjool dates in our supermarkets, but in the countries that grow dates, the varieties are almost limitless… Ajwa, Anbara, Barhi, Saghai, Safawi, Khudri… to name just a few.
One of our tour guides told us he eats 3 dates every day. No more, no less… he swears it keeps his digestion and health in tiptop shape. By his energy and vitality, one couldn’t argue.
So dates it is!
Date squares are actually a Canadian dessert. As a child I recall my mother baking it for church potlucks and there was always plenty left over for house guests and of course, the family. Here’s an easy and tasty recipe if you want to give this Canadian favourite a try.
Combine in a sauce pan:
1 ½ cups Medjool dates, pitted and chopped (If unavailable, don’t be afraid to use the block of dates you will find in most baking sections of your grocery store. It tastes just as good.)
1 cup water
2 Tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
Bring to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring to break the clumps into a smooth paste. Remove from heat and cool.
Combine in a bowl:
1 3/4 cups quick cooking rolled oats
1 cup flour
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ tsp baking powder
¾ cup butter (softened to room temp to make it easier to blend)
Stir the ingredients together and spread half the mixture on the bottom of an 8” square pan that has a sheet of waxed paper lining the bottom. (Butter the sides of the dish.) Pour the date filling on top of the oat mixture, spreading it evenly, and sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top. Press lightly down and pop into the oven at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until you see the top start to show a golden brown. Cool, cut and serve. Makes 9-16 portions, depending on your generosity.
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