How to Make Date Molasses

Sweet dates become rich and thick, like molasses, when pureed.

Molasses is a thick syrup refined out of sugar cane juice. Dates can also be made into sugar, but the process is different and does not produce molasses as a byproduct, but date molasses exists. Date molasses is another term for date syrup, but since it has the dark consistency of sugar molasses, the name stuck. It is a frequently used sweetener in Middle Eastern recipes, but instead of searching markets for it, make you own at home from dried dates. Does this Spark an idea?

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1 cup pitted dates
1 cup water
Food processor

Instructions

- 1
  
  Bring the pitted dates and water to a boil in a saucepan.
- 2
  
  Cook the dates for five to 10 minutes or until soft and plumped.
- 3
  
  Remove the mixture from the heat to cool slightly for one minute.
- 4
  
  Transfer the date mixture to a food processor and puree until a thick syrup forms.

Tips & Warnings

Increase the water used for a thinner date syrup or decrease the water to produce a paste consistency.
Replace the pitted dates with chopped dates, if desired.
Pour thin date syrup over pancakes instead of maple syrup.
Use the thick form of date molasses as a fruit filling for cookies or pastries.
Do not use dates coated in flour as the flour will change the flavor and consistency.

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