Master Recipe – Date Syrup

We created this recipe with our Grinders in mind.  Date syrup, a concentrated liquid made from dates, retains all the nutrition and delicious caramel-like flavors of whole dates!  Use this rich and delicious syrup anywhere you use maple syrup, honey, agave, or other liquid sweeteners.  Delicious over yogurt, pancakes, oatmeal, and ice cream!  With some modification can be substituted in baked goods, or use in salad dressings, coffee, marinades and sauces in place of sugar.  Store refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. whole unpitted dates, about 5 cups
• 5 cups filtered water
• Pinch sea salt

Equipment:

• Collander
• Fine sieve or cheesecloth (optional)

Instructions:

In a large heavy sauce pan or stock pot combine the whole dates with 5 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and cook dates at a gentle simmer for about one hour (this can also be done overnight in a crock pot).  Skim off and discard any froth or foam floating on top.

After 45 minutes of simmering use the edge of a sturdy spatula or spoon to crush and break open the dates in the cooking liquid, and continue simmering for about 15 more minutes. Dates can be simmered for several hours if needed over low heat.

Remove date mixture from heat. Place a colander over a large bowl and scoop the date mixture into the colander to drain. Pour all remaining liquids into the colander. If using cheese cloth allow mixture to cool completely. If not, use a heavy spatula to press on the solids in the colander to extract all the liquids. If using cheesecloth scoop the cooled solids into the cheesecloth and squeeze to extract the remaining liquid. Strain the accumulated liquids once more through a fine sieve over a second bowl, or through cheesecloth. You should have about 2 cups of reserved date liquids.

In a heavy saucepan add the date liquids and a big pinch of sea salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer liquid until reduced by half, about 15 minutes. If syrup is too thick add a little more water.  Note syrup will thicken slightly once cooled.   Remove from heat, allow to cool at room temperature and store date syrup in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Variations:

• Cinnamon date syrup – add 1 cinnamon stick to strained date liquids before reducing.
• Ginger date syrup – add 2 inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced lengthwise to strained date liquids before reducing.
• Vanilla date syrup – add 1 vanilla bean sliced lengthwise to strained date liquids before reducing.

Shop for Grinders here:

https://ranchomeladuco.com/product/no-date-left-behind-5-lb-bag-medjool-date-grinders/