Natural candies with dates and nuts

Medjool Date and Nut Candies – a healthy and energizing delicacy

I invite you to discover a simple and delicious recipe for making natural candies from Medjool dates and nuts. These candies are not only a healthy snack, but they are also extremely easy to prepare. Medjool dates, known for their intense sweetness, are ideal for transforming into these delights without the need to add extra sugar. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 8 hours (ideally overnight)
Total time: 8 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 20 candies

Ingredients:
- 120 g Medjool dates, pitted
- 100 g walnut meat
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- A pinch of sea salt

Brief history:
Dates have been cultivated for thousands of years, appreciated not only for their sweet taste but also for their nutritional benefits. These fruits are an excellent source of energy, vitamins, and minerals, often consumed during periods of intense physical work or effort, as well as by athletes. Date candies are a healthy alternative to processed sweets, providing a consistent energy boost due to their high natural sugar content. Additionally, the combination with nuts and cinnamon gives them a unique flavor and pleasant texture.

Step by step to achieve perfect candies:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by checking the Medjool dates to ensure they are pitted. These are the sweetest and softest dates, making them ideal for our recipe. If the dates are dry, you can soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to rehydrate.

2. Grinding the ingredients:
In a food processor, add the dates, walnut meat, cinnamon powder, and sea salt. Blend everything until you achieve a smooth paste. It’s important not to over-blend, as you want the walnut meat to remain slightly granular to provide a pleasant texture to the candies.

3. Forming the candies:
Take a silicone candy mold and fill each compartment with the obtained paste. Use a spatula or spoon to press the mixture well, ensuring it is compact and evenly distributed.

4. Cooling:
Cover the mold with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 8 hours, preferably overnight. This step is essential to allow the candies to firm up and take on a well-defined shape.

5. Finalizing:
The next day, remove the candies from the mold and wrap them in candy wrappers. They can be stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks, but they are so delicious that it will be hard to resist consuming them quickly!

Serving suggestions:
These Medjool date and nut candies pair perfectly with Arabic coffee or herbal tea. You can serve them as an energizing snack between meals or give them to friends as a healthy gift.

Nutritional information:
- Calories per candy: approximately 50-60 kcal (depending on size and exact ingredients)
- Nutritional benefits: rich in fiber, vitamins (B6, K), minerals (potassium, magnesium), and antioxidants. This recipe is ideal for active individuals, athletes, and even children, providing them with a natural source of energy.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the nuts with other ingredients?
Yes, you can use almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences. Make sure you don’t have allergies to these.

2. How can I keep the candies longer?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

3. Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! You can add vanilla, cocoa, or even ginger to diversify the flavor.

4. How can I make the candies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of dates or add a less sweet ingredient, like oats.

These Medjool date and nut candies are not only a delicious option for a healthy snack, but also a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without using refined sugar. I encourage you to try them and customize them to your taste! Enjoy!