Just like yours, our lives are on the go! Between families and jobs, friends and obligations it’s not surprising that it’s sometimes hard to find time to eat. Instead of resorting to fast food or purchased bars, these easy-to-make, flavor filled date bites are something we make ahead of time and tuck into our purse. Two of the bites make a serving and help hold us over for mealtime or when we can find a more substantial healthy meal. Oh – and did we mention how good they taste? You’ll be surprised how the addition of cinnamon and cardamom make the nuts and oranges pop with flavor.
Cardamom is a spice we don’t use often in the United States, although it’s added to cuisines all over the world in both savory as well as sweet dishes. Cardamom is a good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Additionally, it is also an excellent source of iron and manganese. It also contains plant chemical compounds that are known to have been anti-oxidant, disease preventing and health promoting properties.
Date Bites with Indian Spices
- ½ Cup Almonds, toasted
- ½ Cup Walnuts, toasted
- ½ Cup Pecans, toasted
- 16 Dates, pitted
- 3 TB Honey
- Zest of 2 Oranges
- ½ tsp Cardamom
- ½ tsp Cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp Sea Salt
Place all ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until mixture is completely chopped and forms a thick paste. Place in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Remove from fridge and with a spoon make 1” balls by carefully pressing together and rolling. Wrap individually in parchment paper to take on the road or serve in mini cupcake liners. (These keep great in fridge for a week in an airtight container, or freeze up to three months