| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 5 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 354 | 20g | 8g | 41g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 31g | 5g | 8g | 0.10g |
Hello, fellow food lovers! Today, we’re taking a scrumptious and soulful detour away from my classic Italian-American fare to explore an unexpected twist to my recipe collection – Chocolate Covered Dates. Drawing from the simplicity and wholesomeness I cherish in recipes passed down from my Italian grandparents, this luscious gem offers a blend of sweet-tart dates enrobed in a velvety layer of dark chocolate. Each bite weaves together delightful cravings of indulgence, bringing out a sense of nostalgia and the warmth of family gatherings.
Not to mention, these Chocolate Covered Dates offer an array of nutritional benefits. After all, who says indulgence can’t come with a healthy twist?
A Helping Hand to Heart-Health
Dates, our feature ingredient in this dish, are a powerhouse of nutrition. Brimming with fiber, potassium, and a variety of important vitamins and minerals, these bites of goodness are heart-friendly foods recognized the world over, and Healthline suggests that they may assist in reducing the risk of some ailments such as heart disease.
Satisfying the Sweet Tooth and the Body
Moving on to our smooth chocolate envelope, we opt for the ever-healthy and naturally dairy-free dark chocolate. A primary source of antioxidants, dark chocolate is not only delicious but also packs a punch when it comes to health benefits. According to Medical News Today, “Dark chocolate with 70–85% cocoa content is nutritional, providing fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, and a decent amount of potassium.”
Dipping these dates in nurturing almond butter and a sprinkling of crushed almonds only add to the nutritional bang of this recipe. Almonds, according to studies, including the one published in The European Journal of Nutrition, are chock full of essential vitamins, soluble fiber, and protein, and they can help lessen bad cholesterol, making them an excellent addition to your sweet treat. And, let’s not leave behind the coconut oil. Seen as a heart healthy fat, coconut oil can be a magnificent addition to your pantry. Now, that’s a dessert that loves you back!
Pairings and Comparisons
These Chocolate Covered Dates remind me of another adored dessert – chocolate-covered strawberries. They share a perfect balance between the oozing luscious filling within a delightful chocolate shell, marrying the most distinguished flavors. This recipe can serve as an incredible companion to a relaxed living room chat, a elegant dessert at your next dinner gathering, or even a quick, energizing hiking snack – hint at my usual pastime. For the wine lovers out there, consider pairing these with a rich red wine or even a fortified sherry to contrast and complement the sweet dates and rich, dark chocolate.
From serving size to the ease of making this, every single aspect of crafting these Chocolate Covered Dates feels right. Brownie tastes with a nutritional boost, I hope you love creating, sharing, and savoring these treats as much as I do!
What You’ll Need
- 18 dates, pitted
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 6 tablespoons almond butter
- 1/3 cup crushed almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Method
Step One
Make a small slit in each date and fill it with 1 teaspoon of almond butter. Set them aside.
Step Two
Next, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. You can do this either in a microwave-safe bowl or in a small pot on the stove over low heat. Make sure to stir continuously to prevent the chocolate from burning.
Step Three
Once the chocolate is fully melted, take each almond butter-filled date and dip it into the melted chocolate. Be sure to coat each date entirely with the chocolate.
Step Four
As soon as you’ve dipped a date in chocolate, roll it in crushed almonds. Repeat this step until every date is covered in chocolate and almonds.
Step Five
Once you’ve coated all the dates, sprinkle them with sea salt. This will help to bring out the rich flavors of the chocolate and almond butter.
Step Six
Lay out a piece of parchment paper and place the dates on it. Place them in the fridge to harden for at least an hour. After this, they’re ready to be served.
