Medjool Dates Stuffed with Almond Butter and Coconut

I have to admit I haven’t always liked dates. As I have grown, my palate has evolved, and now I love and eat many foods I used to ignore such as dates, beets, and even broccoli too. Thank goodness I changed my mind about dates, because they pack in a great amount of fiber, B vitamins, and minerals including potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, among others. The soluble fiber that dates contain can help decrease the body’s absorption of cholesterol, and even slow the absorption of sugar in the small intestine, which helps to keep blood sugar stable. A mix of easily digested carbs, protein, and fat, these Medjool stuffed dates make an excellent and healthy choice for a snack! Even though I now like dates, sometimes I feel like they can be too sweet for me, so I love the addition of almond butter to help balance out the sweetness. The addition of (unsweetened) shredded coconut adds to the great taste, and is a pretty topping. Another option is to add a sprinkle of raw cacao powder or cinnamon. (I love these with some added cinnamon too!)

Medjool Dates Stuffed with Almond Butter and Coconut

Ingredients

• 6 Medjool Dates
• 1 teaspoon of almond butter for each date
• A sprinkling of shredded (unsweetened) coconut

Instructions

• Peel open each date, and remove the pit.
• Place 1 teaspoon of almond butter into the date, and push the date back together.
• Top with a sprinkling of (unsweetened) shredded coconut.

I hope you enjoy this delicious snack. See you next week with the first installment of Q & A Therapeutic Thursday, which will be happening every 1st Thursday of the month!

References: Murray, M (2005). The Encyclopedia of Healing Food. New York: Atria Books.