13 ways to make good dates

Epicurious.com

Whenever we hear the frequently repeated Mom-ism "nature's candy," we think of this intensely sweet fruit of the date palm tree. Now is the prime time to enjoy it, as fresh dates, from California and the Middle East, start to pop up in markets by summer's end.

Tips:

Choose Wisely

Look for dates with smooth, shiny skin. Avoid shriveled dates or those with mold or sugar crystals on their surface.

Use our interactive ingredient map to see what's fresh in your area!

Store Properly

Store dates in the refrigerator. Fresh dates will last up to two weeks; dried, if kept in an airtight container, can last up to a year.

Snack on Dates

Sugar-sweet dates make a great substitute for candy. Remove the pits and roll dates in shredded coconut, and you have a great snack for kids without the refined sugar. Or, use a blender to make an easy date shake.

Recipes:

Snacks and Hors d'oeuvres

Curried Cheddar Date Bites

Parmesan-Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon

Goat Cheese, Date, and Bacon Strudels

Peanut Butter, Banana and Date Sandwiches

Salads and Main Courses

Spinach Salad with Bacon, Dates, and Feta Dressing

Grapefruit, Mustard Green, and Date Salad

Broiled Salmon with Apple-Date Chutney

Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Dates and Pearl Onions

Roasted Scottish Pheasants with Apricots and Dates '21' Club

Sweet Treats

Classic Date Bars

Date, Dried-cherry, and Chocolate Torte

Chocolate Date-Nut Baklava

Warm Apple Tart with Date Ice Cream and Red Wine-Caramel Sauce

Click here for many more recipes



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