Date Milkshake

Luke was recently in Abu Dhabi and brought back the most beautiful Iranian dates. He knows me well enough that a) when he travels without me, he must bring me back presents as a form of restitution and b) it always has to be food. So in an effort to make up for the fact he went on an exotic vacation without me, he brought me some beautiful dates. And boy are they yummy. Someone said to me recently that dates are going to be the next hot food. You heard it here first folks. The next hot food. They are great natural sweeteners and might be the best appetizer ever with you stuff them with cheese and wrap them in bacon. But today I am sharing my new favorite way to eat dates - a date milkshake.

This recipe is inspired by all the date growers that are in Southern California in the Coachella Valley. I have never been but people make pilgrimages to Oasis Date Gardens  to get a date milkshake on their way to or from Palm Springs. Here is my version of what I imagine that frozen deliciousness to taste like. Maybe this calls for a little R & D road trip to Palm Springs,  all for the sake of the blog and authenticity right?

Date_Milkshake_3
Date_Milkshake_3

If you use fresher dates, there is no need to soak them but the dates you get at the grocery store usually need to be soaked for at least an hour before blending. I used coconut milk ice cream because eggs and I aren't getting along right now but you of course can use regular ice cream and milk. You know what would also be good in this milkshake...some bourbon. Spike it a little and make one fantastic grown up date milkshake.

Date_Milkshake_2
Date_Milkshake_2

Enjoy!

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