Dates are fruits that are very naturally very sweet and have many health benefits. Dates are often used as sweeteners n smoothies and baked goods but can also be added to cereals and salads. Some of the health benefits of dates include reducing risk of cancer, and high blood pressure, and being a good additive in low–sodium diets. Dates are fat-free and rich in fiber, potassium, niacin and vitamin B6. Fiber helps aid in digestion. Potassium helps strengthen muscles, break down carbohydrates and moderate heartbeats. Niacin turns food into energy and improves nerve function. Vitamin B6 breaks down proteins, builds muscle and is good for hair and nail growth. One of the more common dates is the “Medjool Date”. Dates grow on palm trees.
Date Caramel Stuffed Brownies
Brownie Directions
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 4 oz of chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups of sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 box Medjool Dates
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350*F
- Line a 8x8x2 inch baking pan with parchment paper and coat spray with cooking spray
- Melt butter and chocolate chips together in a saucepan or microwave until smooth.
- Allow it to cool. Once cooled, add in sugar, then eggs one at a time. Mix until well combined.
- Add vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking soda.
- Add the flour-baking soda mixture to the chocolate mixture. Mix well.
- Spread half of the batter into the pan, and bake for 15 minutes.
- While baking, prepare the date caramel mixture*.
- Allow to cool for an additional 15 minutes, until the top begins to get firm. Once cooled, spread the date-caramel over the top of the brownies.
- Then add in the rest of the brownie mix, followed by the pecans sprinkled on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until set. Allow to cool before cutting and enjoy.
*Date Caramel Directions
- Blend pitted dates and salt together, adding in 1tsp of hot water at a time until a creamy, caramel texture is reached.
Written by: Kailee
Sources:
https://fruitsandveggies.org/fruits-and-veggies/dates/
https://fruitsandveggies.org/expert-advice/date-tree-look-like/
https://fruitsandveggies.org/stories/top-10-reasons-enjoy-medjool-dates/
https://fruitsandveggies.org/recipes/date-caramel-stuffed-brownies/ (image and recipe)
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