Stuffed Dates with Almond Butter and Orange

Written by Dominique Dupuis, atelier culinaire L'armoire du haut |

Ingredients:
12 fresh dates
orange blossom water
¼ cup almond butter
2 tbsp maple syrup
½ tsp vanilla
1 tbsp orange juice
almonds for garnish

Directions:
1. Rinse dates.
2. Open dates in half and remove pit.
3. Soak dates in the orange blossom water and let stand.
4. In a bowl, mix the remaining 4 ingredients to make a dough.
5. Stuff the dates with the almond mixture and garnish by filing an almond on top.

Note:
Dates are a pitted fruit from the Middle East. They grow on large date palm trees and are among the oldest fruits. Dates are a source of dietary fiber and are, thanks to their high carbohydrate content, high-energy, easy to use and very handy. They can be eaten fresh or dried.

They are a delicious and healthy alternative to refined sugar.
They provide valuable fiber, often lacking in Western diets.
They have a high concentration of antioxidants that can neutralize harmful free radicals in our cells. Dates are a great source of energy.

This recipe is courtesy of Dominique Dupuis, from l'atelier culinaire L'armoire du haut.