Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Medjool dates, pitted
  • 3 cups filtered water
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla bean paste

Instructions:

  1. Prep the fruit. Remove the pits from 1 lb Medjool dates by slicing them lengthwise.
  2. Combine ingredients. Place the pitted dates and 3 cups filtered water into your heavy saucepan.
  3. Initial soak. Let the dates sit in the water for 10 minutes before turning on the heat.
  4. Bring to boil. Turn the heat to medium high until the water reaches a vigorous, rolling boil.
  5. Simmer gently. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for 20 minutes until the dates are pale and falling apart.
  6. Mash the mixture. Use a potato masher or a sturdy fork to crush the softened dates directly in the pot.
  7. Strain the solids. Pour the mixture through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl.
  8. Extract the liquid. Squeeze the bag firmly until the pulp feels dry and almost fibrous.
  9. Final concentration. Return the strained liquid to the pot and simmer for another 5-10 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.
  10. Flavor finishing. Stir in 0.5 tsp vanilla bean paste and 1 pinch sea salt, then let it cool completely.