Taste Life Blog

In honor of RD Day March 14, 2012 I wanted to share a great dessert recipe using one of my most favorite foods – dates!!

Here are five reasons why dates are great and  a great dessert recipe that is sweetened with dates instead of sugar.

•  Super antioxidant polyphenols

Protects against oxidation and inflammation.  Dates rank high, among commonly consumed whole fresh fruits.

•  Good source of fiber

Dates provide 12% of the recommended Daily Value for fiber (3 grams) in only ¼ cup.

•  High in nutrient density

Dates are nutrient dense in fiber, potassium and manganese in relation to their calories.

•  They are fat free, saturated free, trans fat free and cholesterol free

Dates are naturally fat free. Dates can add a natural sweetness to desserts like this cheesecake, and to entrees, and baked goods without adding fat.

•  No sugar added

They are a healthy and satisfying snack and alternative to snacks with added sugar.  They are a perfect potable snack for post exercise and great for kids on the go.

Source: www.dateresearchinstitute.com

California Date Cheesecake, Original Recipe

Makes 16 servings.

• 15 Graham crackers, crushed
•  2 tbsp Butter, melted
• 4 8-oz packages Cream Cheese
• 1 cup California Dates, pitted and diced
• ¾ cup Milk
•  4 Eggs
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
• ¼ cup all-purpose Flour

California Date Cheesecake, Low-Fat Recipe

My dinner club enjoyed this cheesecake when I prepared it for them.

• 15 Graham crackers, crushed
• 2 tbsp Butter, melted
• 4 8-oz packages fat-free Cream Cheese
•  1 cup California Dates, pitted and diced
• ¾ cup low-fat Milk
• 4 Eggs
• 1 cup fat-free Sour Cream
• 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
•  ¼ cup all-purpose Flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 9-inch spring form pan.

In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter; press onto bottom

of spring form pan. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese until smooth, blend in milk.

Add eggs one at a time; fold all ingredients until just mixed. Stir in sour cream,

vanilla and flour until smooth. Pour filling into prepared crust.

Add dates, gently stir into mixture, spread dates around evenly. Using the bainmarie

method, bake in preheated oven for 1 hour. Turn off oven and let cake cool in

oven with the door closed for 5 – 6 hours; this helps to prevent cracking. Chill in

refrigerator until serving.