Date Paste

Figured I'd start with something that will be useful in many of the recipes to come. It's simple and great to have on hand.

Ingredients

8 ounces pitted dried dates

1-2 cups water

Optional Additions

Pinch of cinnamon

Vanilla paste

Instructions

Transfer dates to a bowl and pour water over them until dates are fully submerged.

*Allow dates to soak for at least 30 minutes.

Remove dates from water and transfer to a food processor or blender. Reserve soaking liquid.

Add 1 Tb of soaking liquid and begin to puree. How quickly the dates break down depends on the quality of your processor.

*I usually end up adding 3-4 Tb liquid to get my preferred consistency.

Continue processing and adding soaking liquid by the tablespoon until you get your desired consistency.

Also add the cinnamon or vanilla for a flavored date paste. (I prefer plain)

Transfer date paste to a jar or sealed container and store in the refrigerator.

*Use within 1 weeks.