D is for Dates

This is a part of our month-long Eating the Alphabet Project! Click here to learn more about the book and project, and to see a list of all the recipes and activities.

 

I don't believe I had ever had dates before trying them before making this recipe, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they are sweet and almost creamy. They are perfectly suited to this quick dip, which is so delectable with crackers or even celery!

Trying new fruits and vegetables is part of what we wanted to do with this project: get young readers (and their parents) to discover a new delicious healthy food, prepared in a fun and unexpected way.

 

Young Readers in the Kitchen

Here's another no cutting, no cooking recipe. Kids can measure the yogurt and water, and count out the number of dates going in the food processor or blender!

 

Date Dip

From Super-Healthy Kids

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
• 10 whole pitted dates (you can find these in the dried fruit section at the grocery store)
• 1 tablespoon water

 

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and process until combined.
   
   
   
   
2. Serve with celery, toasted bread or tortilla strips, or crackers.
   
   

 

Meet Some Date Farmers

Although actually a website for a specific brand of dates, the Natural Delights Medjool Dates site provides a short video and neat slide show that will give young readers (and grown-ups) lots of fun information. This website provides a month-by-month slideshow (under 'Growing Perfect') of how dates are grown and harvested.