Hello dear reader,
Have you tasted date syrup, also known as date molasses?
It is amazingly sweet and is often used in Middle Eastern cuisine, drizzled over roasted vegetables. It is also the basis of a rereshing Middle Eastern drink called jallab, which is a mixture of date syrup and rose water, topped up with water/ice and decorated with raisins and pine nuts. I love the sound of this and must seek out some rose water now that I know how easy it is to make date syrup!
My initial interest in making date syrup was to try it as a substitute for processed sugar in baking – more on that in a later blog post. I have since had it on pancakes, on toast, drizzled on goats cheese and mixed in with my morning yoghurt.
It is so delicious that you won’t believe how easy it is to make!
Homemade Date Syrup – recipe
– 8oz dried dates
– Juice of one lemon
1) Place the dates in a bowl, cover with half a pint of boiling water and leave to soak overnight.
2) Tip the dates & water into a blended and blitz until smooth. Mix in freshly squeezed lemon juice one tablespoon at a time, tasting and adding more as required. I used the juice of a whole lemon.
3) Spoon into sterilised jars & keep refrigerated.
Enjoy!
Vohn
x
P.S. I am entering my easy date syrup recipe into a few blogger challenges…
First up is a challenge that I only just discovered called Taste of the Tropics. This is run by Chef Mireille who blogs at East West Realm and describes her style as global cuisine from a New York City kitchen. The challenge is guest hosted this month by Nayna who blogs over at Citrus Spice and has chosen the theme of dates – perfect!
Next up one of my favourite blog challenges Made with Love Mondays run by the Javelin Warrior over at Cookin w/ Luv, which is all about cooking from scratch, using natural ingredients.
Finally, Tea Time Treats run by the very lovely Karen at Lavender and Lovage and Janie at The Hedge Combers. Karen is hosting this month and her theme is Jams, Curds and Preserves. I’m assuming she’ll be fine with a syrup, which is quite jam-like!
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Remind yourself to make this easy recipe…
This is amazing when mixed with tahini.
Ooh – interesting idea Sandie! I’lol give that a try with my next batch! 😀
I have a big bag of dates in the cupboard, I’m going to try this tomorrow!
Hope you did Kate – it is so easy and delicious! 🙂
This is such a fab idea. I swore I was going to make it when I saw it the first time, but obviously needed this timely reminder 😉
Haha – here’s another reminder Choclette! x
I was going to buy some date syrup this week but as I have 6 large bags of dates arriving with my wholefood order I just changed my mind. Thanks!!!
Glad to be of assistance Heather! I do love this date syrup and must make some more myself! 🙂
I would LOVE this on Roasted Vegetables! What a delicious idea! <3
Mmm – sweet roasted veggies Brandi – one of life’s tasty delights. 🙂
A TRULY wonderful and innovative recipe Vohn and I love dates, so this would be a great recipe for me to make, and use in my baking and cooking! Thanks for linking up to TTT too! Karen
Thanks so much Karen. Let me know how it goes in your baking! x
I have a load of dates, I’ll try this (and the rose water drink) very soon!
Brilliant Kate. Let me know what you think of the drink! I must find some rose water! x
I really love date syrup and this post just reminded me to make some as it’s been a while. Great post 🙂
Laura x
Thanks for popping by Laura. Glad to help you with a reminder – it is so handy to have a jar in the fridge. x
This is wonderful– dates are so… rich and magical and biblical…
I am in complete agreement Annie. They are by far my favourite dried fruit! x