Espresso Date Truffles

Dates are a delicious and nutritious fruit that Muslim's eat upon opening our fast (Iftaar). They are known to help with digestive health, are anti-inflammatory, reduce blood pressure, help with pregnancy/labor/delivery and the list goes on. Because of the high sugar content, dates help with raising the blood sugars in the body from a long day of fasting. This is why it was the Sunnah (teaching and practices) of our holy Prophet (peace be upon him).

As much as I love dates on their own and use them year round, getting festive during the holidays and stuffing them with cheese or nuts, dipping them in chocolate, etc. is something I also enjoy. One way I love serving them is as truffles. They are always raved about at Iftaar parties and give a unique twist to the good ol' super food date fruit.

What you will need for this recipe is a package of baking dates. These can be found at your local Mediterranean store or you can just use Medjool Dates. If you are using Medjool Dates be sure to remove the pits before getting started on this recipe. :)

You will also need some cinnamon, brewed espresso and some juice and zest from either a lemon or orange. I like the acidity from a lemon but you can use any citrus just to cut the sweetness.

Ingredients:

Makes about 24

1 pkg Baking Dates or 30 Medjool Dates (softened)

1 tsp Cinnamon Powder

1 to 2 tbsp Espresso (depending on desired flavor)

Zest of 1 Lemon

Squeeze of Lemon Juice

Toppings of Choice:

Unsweetened Coconut Flakes

Ground Pistachios

Chopped Pecans

Unsweeted Cocoa Powder

Edible Dried Rose Petals

Method:

-Put all the truffle ingredients in a food processor and pulse a few times and then give it one final go to mix everything thoroughly.

- Using a mini ice cream scoop, scoop ½ tbsp spoon size balls into your toppings of choice.

-Shape using the palms of your hands and place in mini cupcake liners or a parchment lined baking sheet.

-Serve and Enjoy!

- Store in an airtight container, refrigerated.

Tips:

-Dip them in unsweetened or semi-sweet melted chocolate if desired.

-If you don’t have a food processor, a blender or by hand will also do. Just add warm espresso to soften the date mixture.

-Add a hazelnut or nut of choice in the middle for a nice surprise.

-Don't drink coffee? Go to your local coffee shop and ask to buy a shot of brewed espresso!

NOTE: If you are serving these to kids I would split the recipe in half and only put espresso in one half of the mixture.

As much as these are great at home, they are also a great gift to take to an iftaar or as a favor for your next dinner or wedding party. Here I packaged them in a cute clear tray lined with a gold truffle insert I got from my local craft store.

They are so pretty on their own but include the kids and get festive! Wrap it in a cellophane bag and topped it with a tag and ribbon.

Hope you enjoy this twist on the traditional date. You can even take it a step further and dip them in chocolate!

Here's a recipe printable and I hope you try them soon! :)