Summertime Snacks Featuring Dates
It may not be officially summer yet, but summertime vibes are alive and well in Scottsdale. It’s time to get outside and enjoy the weather before the summer heat really sets in. With that in mind, Sphinx Date Co. offers some fun and delicious summertime snack ideas featuring dates.
Apple Wheels — For a fresh, crisp snack poolside, consider this easy and healthy snack. Simply core an apple of any variety and then slice it lengthwise into thick (approximately 1/8-inch) slivers. Then spread a nut or seed butter of choice and top with chopped dates, sunflower seeds, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a drizzle of melted dark chocolate.
Pear Wraps — These easy pear wraps are a savory complement to the sweet apple wheels. Slice pears into thick wedges, then cut pieces of pieces (the same number as pear wedges). Top the pear with the brie and then wrap it with a thin slice of prosciutto. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Summer Salad — Dates are a wonderful addition to a summer salad because they add both texture and flavor that is a little sweet and a little savory. Start with a bed of greens of choice, then top with berries such as sliced strawberries, fresh blueberries, dried cranberries and chopped dates. Add chopped nuts or seeds such as almonds, walnuts and pumpkin or hemp seeds. Next, add some freshly shredded parmesan or other hard cheese. Then drizzle with a light vinegar-based dressing. Make this a main meal by adding a protein of choice such as grilled chicken or salmon.
Tropical Date Night Smoothie — Take a vacation to the tropics without leaving town! Whip up a delicious tropical date smoothie and send your tastebuds adrift. To make this island-inspired smoothie, add 1 cup of frozen tropical fruit blend of your choice (including pineapples, mangoes, strawberries, papaya, coconut, etc.), a half fresh banana (sliced), one cup milk of choice, one heaping tablespoon of Greek yogurt, a fourth cup chopped dates and a few ice cubes to a blender and combine. Add more liquid or ice until the desired consistency is achieved. Pour into glasses, top with shredded coconut and a drizzle of honey — don’t forget a cocktail umbrella, cherry and a bendy straw!
Pecan Pie Bites — For a little taste of a Southern summer treat, these easy pecan pie bites are where it’s at! In a food processor or high-performance blender, combine two cups fresh pitted dates, a half cup pecans, a half cup cashews, two tablespoons cocoa powder, two tablespoons cashew butter, one tablespoon milk of choice, one-fourth teaspoon flaky sea salt and one-fourth teaspoon vanilla extract. Once the mixture forms a dough, roll one tablespoon portions into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place on a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper. Once all the balls are rolled, place them in an air-tight container and allow to chill before serving.
These summertime noshes are easy, healthy and most importantly, delicious! Enjoy them anytime to feel the summertime vibes!