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A versatile sweetener with caramel-like flavor from dates, this syrup can be used in place of honey or maple syrup in baking, tea or homemade dressings and sauces.

Ingredients

• 2¼ cups (530 milliliters) water
• 1½ cups pitted Deglet Noor dates

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil.
2. Meanwhile, chop dates into small pieces of uniform size and place in a large bowl.
3. Once water is boiling, pour it over the chopped dates and let soak for 30 minutes.
4. Using an immersion blender or blender, blend dates and water until smooth.
5. Use a nut milk bag or muslin cloth over a fine mesh strainer (on top of a large bowl) to squeeze out liquid from the date solids, which should yield about 2 cups of thin liquid.
6. Transfer the liquid to a medium saucepan.
7. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer and cook 30 minutes or until thickened to desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove saucepan from heat and let cool before transferring to a clean glass jar or other storage container.

Cooking note:

To reduce food waste, use date solids in baking (in place of prunes or mashed banana) or in oatmeal for subtle sweetness. Date syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, during which time it will continue to thicken.