December Superfood of the Month is……..Medjool Dates!
As a student, the holidays aren’t all merry and bright. Until
December 20th they are a dark, gloomy, terrifying and frenzied mess,
with 8 final exams including two practicals (an OSCE and acupuncture) I find it
hard to sit back and relax this time of year. Nonetheless, I have been busy
attending several Christmas parties with wonderful family and friends, where
the food and drink have been delicious and plenty. One of my favourite items to
incorporate in party appetizers and desserts this time of year is medjool dates.
Crowned the “King of Dates”, these sweet, simple dried fruits are extremely
versatile. I’ve found myself craving sweets more than usual lately with all the
exam stress, a classic pattern of Spleen Qi Deficiency in Asian Medicine.
Instead of reaching for sugary processed treats, I prefer to make my own
homemade treats containing natural sugar and real ingredients to satisfy this
sweet tooth.
So what makes Dates a Superfood anyways?
Naturally sweet, this high-energy snack is a good source of potassium,
manganese, copper and magnesium. Dates are filled with fiber, promoting regular
bowel movements; this is why they are often touted as a natural prescription
for constipation. They can be used in several recipes as a substitute for refined sugars, and also have a distinct flavor that makes a great vegan or
paleo substitute for caramel sauce. Interestingly enough, when I was
researching the health benefits of dates for this post, I came across a
research article that pointed out the benefits of eating dates during the last
4 weeks of pregnancy to reduce the need for induction and augmentation of
labour!
Two of my favourite party dishes using dates are listed
below. The first is a super simple and crowd-pleasing appetizer. I can’t take any merit for this idea, they simply had samples out
of it at Sobey’s one day, which I happily chewed down on. The second recipe I
created while procrastinating when studying for my last exams. They were a huge
hits in our household and something I looked forward to enjoying as exam
treats all week! Note: If you are following a low FODMAP diet for
gastrointestinal concerns, dates, like other dried fruits, are considered at
high FODMAPS and should be avoided.
Simple Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
200 grams thinly sliced prosciutto (I got mine from the Deli
Section at Longo’s)
16-20 organic medjool dates (also purchased at Longo’s)
1.
Remove pits from dates, I find it easiest to
squeeze the date slightly and then pull the pit out from one end.
2.
Wrap each slice of prosciutto around 1 date and
secure in place with a toothpick
3.
Shove into mouth and enjoy!
Chocolate Brazil Nut Date Cups
Ingredients
1 cup brazil nuts (I purchase mine in bulk from Whole Foods)
1 cup pitted organic medjool dates
100g extra dark chocolate (the equivalent of one Lindt 85%
chocolate bar, or 1 President’s choice extra dark chocolate bar)
1.
In food processor or high powered blender,
combine nuts and dates until a sticky paste forms. Mush into bottom of 12
muffin tins lined with paper or silicone baking cups
2.
Melt chocolate in microwave, stirring every
30-45 seconds.
3.
Pour melted chocolate over top of date nut
mixture, and sprinkle with sea salt. Freeze until solid.
4.
Store in freezer and remove 10 minutes before
serving.
Do you have a favourite holiday
dish? I love the sweet potato casserole my mom makes with pecans, cranberries,
pineapple and carrots, it a nice GF and allergy friendly substitute for
stuffing.
