If anyone knows me, then you know I’ve been obsessed with dates for a while now. When I became pregnant a couple years ago, I began reading about their nutrition and benefits, and since then haven’t been able to stop eating them! I have at least one date a day and keep a whole stash frozen so I never run out. (I wasn’t kidding when I said I’m obsessed!)
Almost anyone that grows up in a Muslim family will have their fair share of dates in their lifetime – mostly because they’re a staple during the month of Ramadan, a holy month practiced by Muslims yearly. Growing up I had a love-hate relationship with them – sometimes I’d love them and other times I’d refuse to put one in my mouth.
Later on, when I started grocery shopping on my own, I realized this was because there is such a variety of Dates on the shelves these days. I later on discovered that I loved Medjool Dates – they are much more plump and moist than other types of dates.
Since we’re currently in the month of Ramadan, we have a plate of dates on the table every night for Iftar. I thought it would be a good idea to jazz the dates up a bit – add a little something to them! And so I did – I stuffed them with various types of nuts and dipped some of them in chocolate and coconut flakes. Ohhhhh the deliciousness. You can’t get a better treat than this!
Check the steps below to see how I did it! It’s super easy!
What you’ll need:
- A few dates (I made 18 total)
- Various nuts (I used Almonds, Walnuts, and Pistachios)
- Orange Blossom Water
- Chocolate to melt
- Coconut Flakes
How to stuff them
- Start by removing the pits from dates. Use a sharp knife and slice down one side lengthwise into the date. Remove the pit and put aside. Throw away pits once finished.
- Soak the nuts you’ve decided to use in some Orange blossom water for 10 minutes.
- Open the dates and stuff them with the nuts and then close them back up.
- Dip the dates in some chocolate, sprinkle coconut flakes onto them, and place on parchment paper to dry. I did a different variety – some with just dipped chocolate and coconut flakes. I also left some with just the stuffed nuts in case someone wanted one that was a little less sweet!
Notes: you could stuff these with a lot of different things, I chose nuts this time. You could use dried fruit too which would be delicious. I’ll probably try that next time!
How easy was that!? And how delicious are they!? Hope you enjoy!
Sincerely, Mama Malak