Using Dates in Fall Cooking Dates are a delicious part of many recipes and holidays, including Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Jewish religion’s High Holy Days. Beyond its inclusion in the traditional breaking of the fast, dates are delicious in all sorts of fall cooking and baking. Sphinx Date Co. offers some delicious ways to incorporate dates into seasonal foods (and drinks!).
Make a Date Dip — Consider a healthier, all-natural substitute for sugary caramel for apples this season by creating a delicious date dip or paste. Delicious spread on a healthy muffin, apple or pear slices, or enjoyed by the spoonful, this dip will disappear fast! Start by soaking dates in warm water for about 10 minutes, then place the dates in a blender or food processor with a little bit of the “soaking water.” Add a little at a time to achieve the desired consistency, then store in an air-tight jar in the refrigerator. Add cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a little extra kick of fall flavor.
Pair ‘em with Potatoes — Roasted root vegetables, gourds and tubers are synonymous with fall. They are not only easy to make, they can be jazzed up in 100 different ways. Simply rough chop some favorite veggies (butternut squash, yams, onion, beets, turnips, carrots, potatoes, etc.) and dump them onto a sheet pan drizzled with olive or avocado oil. Drizzle the veggies with a bit more oil, plus some salt, pepper, and any other seasonings, then roast in a preheated 400-degree oven until desired color and texture are achieved. Once done, top with parmesan cheese, a drizzle of balsamic olive oil, and chopped dates. Serve alongside a hearty steak or roast or enjoy them as the main entrée served with an autumn-inspired salad. Bonus: leftovers can be blended, then heated up as vegetable puree, or used as a soup with some added liquid such as vegetable stock.
Add ‘em to Fall Casseroles and Stews — There are few things as inviting on a chilly fall day (still waiting on those in Phoenix!), then a warm and comforting casserole or stew. Dates are a great addition to a variety of different dishes because they add just the right hint of sweetness to savory meals as well as an unexpected texture. Dates go great with lamb and beef as well as pork dishes. Consider adding a few to a beef stew or pot roast for a twist on a traditional dish.
Serve ‘em with Sides — Side dishes like rice, couscous, and pasta can be given a whole new life with the addition of dates. For a new taste on traditional Middle Eastern-style rice or couscous with raisins and almonds, swap the raisins for diced dates. Give ordinary pasta some Italian flair with pine nuts, pesto, basil leaves, and chopped dates.
Dates are perfectly in season right now and great to use with a variety of fall cooking and baking. For some fresh dates along with other delicious sundries to stock in a seasonal pantry, stop into the Palm and Pantry today!