SO EASY. Replace expensive maple syrup or artificial sweeteners with this healthier option.
If you're not confident, give it a try with a small portion first. Then adjust the amount for your personal use.
DIY DATE SYRUP
Soak together, covered, for at least an hour or two:
- 1 part dates
- 1 part boiling water
After soaking, mash the dates in the water by hand or with a potato masher. (You can leave the pits in if you're mashing by hand. If you use a masher, remove the pits before mashing so they don't break = adds bitter taste.)
Set a large piece of cheesecloth over a bowl. Pour the dates and soaking water through the cheesecloth.
Wring as much liquid into the bowl as possible. (You can add a little boiling water to loosen the dates if they stick to the cheesecloth.)
Pour the strained mixture into a heavy-bottomed cooking pot. Cook on medium heat for 20-40 minutes until it reduces to half the volume. Pour into a serving or storage container.
- Use immediately
- OR store on the counter for 3-4 days
- OR refrigerate for weeks
- OR freeze for a few months
*Use the leftover date pulp instead of jam/marmalade OR add it to smoothies.
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VARIATION: Date Paste. This makes a date spread or jam. It can also be used as a baking ingredient or mixed into smoothies.
DIY DATE PASTE
Soak together, covered, for at least 1-2 hours:
- 1 part dates
- 3/4 part boiling water
Blend the soaked dates with a hand blender, in a regular blender, or mash throughly by hand.
Pour the mashed dates mixture into a heavy pot. Cook on medium heat for 20-40 minutes to reduce the mix to a spreading consistency. Stir occasionally. (Do not overcook or burn. It thickens slightly when it cools.)
Store as above. (Below, served with Overnight Oats or Vegan Oatmeal Apple Bars, a separate post.)
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Rating: 5/5
Flavor: sweet
Calories: 60/tablespoon
Time to prepare: 2.5 hours; hands on: 5 min plus stirring
Tea: chai
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