It’s a Date
All the ingredients in this recipe are raw and the sweetness of the medjool dates combined with that of honey is just perfect. The essence of blossom water and almonds add up a crunch.
Dates have been a staple food of the Middle East for thousands of years. The Ancient Egyptians used them to make date wine and ate them during the harvest.
This is a nice after dinner treat, or an afternoon delight…
Date Truffles with Nuts
Ingredients
200 g Medjool dates, seeded and halved
300 g blanched almonds
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons blossom water
For topping:
1 cup unsweetened powdered coconut (or alternatively, crushed nuts, chocolate sprinkles, flaked coconut or cinnamon)
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). In a medium saucer, fitted with a perforated metal basket, place the dates and steam for 15 minutes, to soften.
2. Meanwhile, roast the almonds on a baking sheet until they become golden, for 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Pour the almonds and cinnamon in a food processor and pulse until they are finely ground. Add softened dates, honey and rosewater. Pulse together until a thick and sticky ball forms. Remove from the blender.
4. Roll a heaping teaspoon of the mixture between your damp palms to form a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture, until 18 to 24 balls are made (the amount depends on the size of each ball).
5. Putting the topping: Spread the topping of your choice on a plate. Roll the balls in the toppings, while applying a bit of pressure on them, in order to get the topping to adhere to the balls.
6. Place on a plate in the refrigerator to chill, for at least one hour. Serve truffles cold. May be kept in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 3 weeks.
Makes 18 to 24 truffles