STUFFED DATES
Introduction
As someone who was recently diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, and has spent the last almost thirty years of my life without any dietary restrictions, you can imagine how hard it is now to suddenly become ill to foods I had been enjoying my whole life. My journey to wellness lead me to create each and every one of these recipes featured on Damngoodthyme.
With the diagnosis of MCAS came hormonal imbalances, leading to hypothyroidism and PCOS. What I was unaware of at the time of these diagnoses, was that diet would play the biggest role in helping me achieve remission and lose the weight gained from all of the inflammation my body was under.
One of the biggest things I learned that helped me on my healing journey was that it is not removing the meals I enjoyed, but swapping out the ingredients in the meals we love with ones that were not going to trigger inflammation in my body. With that shift in mindset, I have been able to embark in a healing journey where I do not feel restricted. I am able to enjoy the foods that others around me are enjoying, without dealing with the inflammation that I would put my body under if I was eating gluten and dairy.
To many, following an anti-inflammatory diet is easy, however, many fall off during the holidays and because they feel they cannot enjoy the foods associated with those holidays. That's why I created these dairy free delicious stuffed and dipped dates. The dates are dipped in dairy free white chocolate or dairy free dark chocolate, stuffed with either coconut butter or almond butter, and finished off with a dusting of pistachios, or dried cranberries. The beauty of this dessert is that it can be modified in so many ways with different nut butters and toppings! Continue reading to learn how to make it.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
20 Medjool dates, pitted
Almond butter, for stuffing
Coconut butter, for stuffing
100g dairy-free dark chocolate
100g dairy-free white chocolate
Dried cranberries
Pistachios, finely chopped
Ingredient Substitutions
Almond Butter: The almond butter can be substituted with tigernut butter to keep this allergen friendly!
Dried Cranberries/ Pistachios: Feel free to substitute the pistachios and dried cranberries with any other toppings- chopped nuts, dehydrated coconuts.
How to Make the Recipe:
Prepare the Dates: Carefully slit each Medjool date along one side, removing the pit. Fill half of the dates with almond butter and the other half with coconut butter. Press the dates gently to close.
Melt the Chocolate: In separate bowls, melt the dairy-free dark and white chocolates. You can use a microwave or a double boiler. Stir until smooth.
Dip the Dates: Hold a stuffed date by the sides and dip it into the melted dark chocolate, ensuring it's fully coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip off. Place the dipped date on a parchment paper-lined tray. Repeat the process with the remaining dates, alternating between dark and white chocolates.
Add Toppings: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the tops with finely chopped pistachios and dried cranberries. Get creative and add a variety of toppings for a visually appealing finish.
Set and Enjoy: Allow the chocolate to set. You can speed up the process by placing the tray in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Once the chocolate is firm, transfer the stuffed and dipped dates to a serving plate.
Serve and Indulge: Arrange the dates on a serving platter and delight in this decadent, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free treat.
Recipe Notes:
Ensure the dates are fresh and soft for the best texture.
Experiment with different toppings like shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for prolonged freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients can I substitute?
The almond butter can be substituted with tigernut butter. Also, the dried cranberries and pistachios can be substituted with any nuts or toppings you prefer!
How can I make this AIP Compliant?
To make this dish AIP compliant you can choose to stuff the dates with tigernut butter and instead of dipping in melted chocolate, create a melted mixture of coconut oil and carob powder!
Storage Instructions
To ensure the freshness and quality of the stuffed and dipped dates, follow these storage instructions:
Refrigeration:
Store the stuffed and dipped dates in an airtight container.
Place the container in the refrigerator to maintain the texture of the chocolate coating and prevent any fillings from spoiling.
Avoid Direct Sunlight:
Keep the container away from direct sunlight and heat, as chocolate can melt and affect the overall texture and appearance of the dates.
Separation:
If stacking the dates, consider placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Consume Within a Week:
For optimal taste and quality, it's recommended to consume the stuffed and dipped dates within one week of preparation.
Check for Freshness:
Before serving, check the dates for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or changes in color. If you notice any, it's advisable to discard those particular dates. By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your stuffed and dipped dates remain delicious and enjoyable for an extended period. Remember that the refrigeration process helps preserve the freshness of the ingredients and maintains the integrity of the chocolate coating.
Full Recipe:
