Our Best Ideas for Dates
We’re pretty smitten with dates, the rich, almost creamy dried fruit of date palm trees that originated in the Middle East. Let’s get the health benefits out of the way: They are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and lots of weird but important micronutrients, like manganese and copper. But let’s not focus on that, because it would imply that we eat dates just because they’re health food. The best dates—those Medjools you find in the produce section of a supermarket—can rival a square of dark chocolate for their complexity and ability to satisfy a sweet tooth, with notes of caramel. They up your charcuterie game because they pair so beautifully with any salty cheeses or cured meats. And, they're easily turned into date syrup, a natural sweetener for coffee or baking. But even more common dates, sold in bags near the raisins, make an excellent snack, and blend gorgeously in smoothies and desserts, eliminating the need for additional sugar. Look at them as an opportunity to stay home and wash your hair—and have a hot date on the very same night.
The perfect place to start? These easy homemade candies take the classic chocolate-and-peanut butter pairing to a new level, both in taste and texture. The dates make ideal vehicles for the two, their own flavor receding while lending a nice gooiness at the same time.
