Medjool dates remain my most loved because these fleshy fruits are harvested from the date palm tree and then packaged immediately. There’s no processing or artificial preservation even during the packaging process. You may notice tiny specks of white powder on the dates if they’ve been stored, but this is perfectly normal. It’s the natural sugars in the date rising to the skin. Medjool dates are perfect for smoothies and baking and one lone date is the perfect sugar balance I need with my Turkish coffee or espresso!

MAKES 24   |   Preparation time 30 minutes

FOR THE SAVOURY DATES

• 24 Medjool dates, slit in the centre and pitted
• ½ C (125 ml) plain cream cheese, at room temperature
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
• ½ Tbsp (7.5 ml) sea salt flakes
• Ground, smoked paprika or cumin, for dusting (optional)
• ½ C (125 ml) pistachios, walnuts or almonds, roughly ground in a food processor
• Honey, for drizzling (optional)

PREPARING THE SAVOURY DATES

1. Fill the centre of each date with 1 tsp (5 ml) cream cheese.
2. Top each filled date with the tiniest sprinkle of black pepper and sea salt flakes.
3. Lightly dust with ground paprika or cumin (if using).
4. Sprinkle with nut crumbles and drizzle with honey (if using) and serve.

FOR THE SWEET DATES

• 1 C (250 ml) roasted salted almonds or
• raw almonds
• 24 Medjool dates, slit in the centre and pitted
• 250 g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) coconut oil
• ½ Tbsp (7.5 ml) sea salt flakes
• ¼ C (60 ml) coconut flakes or desiccated coconut
• 1 tsp (5 ml) chia seeds (optional)
• ¼ C (60 ml) chopped nuts of choice (optional)

PREPARING THE SWEET DATES

1. Insert one or two almonds, depending on size, into the open slit of each Medjool date. Set aside on a sheet of baking paper.
2. Place the dark chocolate and coconut oil into a bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and glossy.
3. Dip each of the almond-filled dates into the chocolate sauce until completely covered.
4. Sprinkle with desiccated coconut or coconut flakes and any of the other toppings listed, i.e. chia seeds or chopped nuts. Place on baking paper to dry.
5. Place inside the freezer for 10 minutes or the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
6. Transfer the savoury and sweet dates to a serving platter and serve right away or store inside an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.