Double Nut White Chocolate & Raspberry Dates Recipe

Dates. They’re as synonymous with Ramadan as relentless hunger, soul-soothing humility, and uncles who share their iftar with you by burping in your face at tarawih. This is of course, for good reason, as the humble date is entwined with the sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and serves as an immediate source of sustenance in the vital seconds that follow sunset. They’ve also been a source of atrocious “date-puns” that have spanned generations, and this reminds us all to seek forgiveness from God for ever thinking that they were funny.

But, as well-suited as the humble date may be in revitalising our system and fuelling a bad sense of humour, I can’t help but feel that for a thick, sticky fruit, it’s not quite as destructive for your teeth as it could be. Of course, I’ve just qualified as a dentist, and since I have a rather hefty student loan to pay off, I’ve decided to give you all a quick and easy way to turn your simple box of dates into a guilty box of sugar-laden treats. White chocolate dates? Stuffed with a raspberry and white chocolate almond filling? Coated in a delicate pistachio crumb? I defy you to find something not to love.

Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes.
Serves: (As many as you would like!)

You’ll Need:

• 20-30 Medjool dates – (or more!).
• 20-30 almonds.
• 150-300g of white chocolate (of your choosing).
• A jar of raspberry jam.
• A bag of pistachios.

Steps:

1. Wash the dates and slit them open (only slightly!) with a knife. Remove the pits and line the dates up on a baking tray.
2. Scoop a teaspoon of raspberry jam into the centre of each date. 
3. Break the chocolate into a heatproof bowl over a pot of boiling water, and melt until smooth and runny.
4. Dip an almond in the chocolate sauce, and place in the centre of each date – (over the jam). Close each date up.
5. Crush up some pistachios and place the crumbs in a bowl. Ensure there is enough to coat all of the dates. 
6. Using toothpicks, dip each date into the white chocolate sauce, and then roll them in the bowl of crushed pistachios.
7. Place the dates in the fridge, and let the chocolate set. 

Finally, serve them at iftar or take them as a gift to an iftar gathering, and watch as everybody clamours over them with no sense of self-control. Fifteen minutes to prepare, a moment to consume, and a lifetime of dental decay to resolve. Happy you, happy me – happy everybody!

Let us know how you get on, and be sure to send us your snaps!