Chinese Date Paste

Red dates are very sweet, so they make a great natural sweetener for baked goods, oatmeal, and other dishes.

Ingredients:

·      50g Chinese Dates (Red Dates)

·      3 cups water

Instructions:

• Pit the red dates by placing a straw through the center of the date and pushing out the pit.

• In a medium saucepan, add water and pitted dates and cook on high heat until boiling.

• Boil the dates for 10 minutes.

• Drain water, retaining ½ cup for paste.

• Peel the dates while still hot.

Tip: Use a spoon to scoop out the date meat, leaving the skin behind.

• Using a blender or food processor, blend dates and water until smooth.