By Natalie R.Toney, M.F.A.,C.H.,
Healthy Planet Food Editor
February is here, and while the “holiday season” is officially over, there are still plenty of events to make spirits bright in the bleak of mid-winter! The groundhog emerges to forecast our fate, then gathering to cheer on puppies or peoples during the “Big Game”, days of reveling revolving around Mardi Gras on the 17th (also coincidentally “Pancake Day”, which crepes count as such!), and of course Valentine’s Day is nestled right in there among them as well. Whether our underground furry friend deems another six weeks of winter, or we are granted an early spring, sweeten the season’s occasions by making a date with dates!
Dating back to the Roman Empire, dates have long been enjoyed as a “date night” food delight. In fact,” Dulcia Domestica”, dates stuffed with chopped walnuts or pine nuts, a dash of black pepper and drizzle of warm honey (sometimes a bit of red wine poured in as well), was a popular vendor food at the Coliseum. Think about going to the big event and buying concessions with your date and instead of candy or popcorn, it’s actually dates! These sweet treats have stood the test of time and still make a great modern-day snack for game day, or most any day! They are quick and easy to make, nutritious, delicious, and incredibly versatile. Just slice 12 or 24 Medjool dates lengthwise(on parchment, or non-stick surface)and fill with choice of nuts, coconut, nut butter, seasoning’s and herbs, cheese, grains, etc… ,then drizzle with either warm honey, maple, balsamic, or tahini, citrus zest, and/or wine, brandy, and can leave as is or wrap with pre-cooked plant based bacon or prosciutto(“carrot bacon” directions in Tips)For a warm, crispy version with melted cheese, wrap dates and secure with toothpick, then bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 min. Unsliced dates can also simply be wrapped whole as an appetizer in itself, warm or cold, and further dressed with a glaze, drizzle, or dip. A welcome hors d’oeuvre for most any event where the possibilities are limitless, and for even more fun, have a DIY with ingredients where guests can experiment and assemble their own stuffed and wrapped dates! For a sweet and savory vegetarian Valentine’s dish your sweetie will savor, cook your favorite rice(basmati complements this well)or quinoa in veggie broth or stock, add fresh sautéed onion, garlic, season with cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and a bit of black pepper, stir in some chopped dried apricot, dates, sultans or another fruit of choice like cranberries, then toss in toasted nuts such as pistachios, almonds, or walnuts when it’s about to be taken off the stove. Sprinkle a few fresh herbs like parsley or mint on top to finish.
Dates are loaded with fiber, carotenoids, phenolic acid(anti-inflammatory), flavonoids and antioxidants, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, protein, B6 and are especially helpful for brain and gut health. Not only are dates a superfood, but they are also low on the glycemic index, making them a great choice to satiate the sweet tooth (this is not medical advice, those with dietary concerns and conditions, please consult with your physician). Healthfully sweeten up smoothies, salads, cereals, homemade muffins, breads, and pastries with chopped dates, or make quick and easy energy bites by rolling into balls with oats and nuts. They are also a delectable snack just as they are, and travel well on the go!
While I might not be able to predict the weather(can anyone really in the Midwest?),I can fathom a guess that when hosting a party or attending one, having a romantic evening with your partner, a brunch with friends, or enjoying a quiet afternoon to yourself, the date will be a little sweeter when you pair your plans with dates!
Tips: Refrigerating or freezing fresh dates then thawing slightly before slicing will make them less sticky and easier to cut. Also spray the knife lightly with non-stick spray or a touch of oil, before chopping or cutting dates to prevent sticking as well. Prepare dates on parchment, or non-stick surface, and if adding into baked goods, flour lightly. To rehydrate dried dates, soak in warm water for 20-30 min. Dates can be kept in an airtight container at room temp. depending on how dry they are, refrigerator up to 6 months, and freezer for two years.
For “carrot bacon”: Whisk 1 Tbsp.Tahini,1 Tbsp. Olive, Sesame, or Avocado oil,1 Tbsp. Maple syrup, 1 1/2-2 Tbsp.GF Soy Sauce, or low sodium soy sauce for less salt (coconut aminos for soy free),1/4 tsp. Liquid Smoke,1/2 tsp. Garlic powder,1/4 tsp. Paprika, and 1/4 tsp. Black pepper together to make a marinade. Slice 12-24 thin carrot strips with a peeler and soak in the marinade for 30 min. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees (can also air-fry). Set the marinated strips on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake for about 8-10 min., flipping once halfway through, and checking they are still pliable enough to wrap around the dates. Store in an airtight container refrigerated 5-7 days, or freeze 2-3 mos.