Hiii! It’s the first post of 2017 and if I’m being honest, it was a struggle to get it up because we are packing up our lives and moving! Oof. It feels very real to type that out, but it’s happening. I am a mix of emotions. There’s excitement because this move brings a great opportunity for Sean’s career and will allow him to do the kind of work he enjoys, plus it moves us to the same city (Reno) as my best friends, their children, and much closer to both of our families–but, I’m also sad. I love Portland and the life we’ve made here. It’s the place where we bought our first home, the one we brought our son to and the first home we lived in as a family of 3. I’ll miss the family we have here and the friendships we’ve forged. I hate, hate, hate goodbyes. But, opportunity came knocking and we answered. Needless to say, things are a whirlwind and finding the focus to post has been lost in the shuffle. But! I am determined to not let this space go stale in the coming months, though things may be a little slower.
ANYWAY, all that said, I made you some dates! This is probably the most natural treat you will ever find on this blog, not that I’m against that sort of thing at all. I just think other people do it better! In fact, I saw someone do this on Instagram stories (and like the goldfish-brain that I am, immediately forgot who it was, so if you know TELL ME so I can credit them) and I immediately set out to make them myself. I have always been a little skeeved out by certain dried fruits (looking at you raisins!) and dates fell into that category, too. However, these little energy-packed bites are so good and satisfying! I’m not one to make sweeping resolutions or ones that will turn my life upside down, but I’d like to incorporate more naturally-sweet everyday sort of treats into our lives. I’m pretty sure it’s the mother in me because Casper has recently discovered his sweet tooth (thanks Halloween and Christmas for that) and I’m trying my best to mitigate some of the sugar obsession.
These could totally be filled with any nut or seed butter you like (and I’m willing to bet they’d be great with coconut butter, too), I guess the chocolate is optional because you’re the boss of your own life, but really…is chocolate ever optional? A sprinkle of sea salt compliments the bitter chocolate and creamy peanut butter, while softening some of that treacly-sweetness of the dates. I like these frozen, they’re less messy this way, plus they never get rock solid so they’re good straight from the freezer. They’ve been my go-to when my sweet tooth wants something sweet because even though they’re simple they taste decadant and I just love that. It’s soeaks to my love of things that are both easy and fancy. WIN.
- 10 whole, pitted dates (I used Medjool dates)
- 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- ⅔ cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
- sea salt and/or unsweetened coconut for topping
- Line a plate or tray with parchment and set aside. Fill a piping bag (or plastic baggie with one corner snipped) with the peanut butter, generously fill each date with peanut butter and place on the lined plate or tray. Place the tray in the freezer for 15 minutes to chill the dates–this will help with coating them in chocolate. Once the dates are chilled, melt the chocolate in a small bowl in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until the chocolate is smooth. Dip a chilled date in chocolate using a fork to lift and drain any excess chocolate before placing on the tray. Immediately sprinkle with sea salt and/or coconut, repeat with the remaining dates. Freeze until firm and store in an airtight container in the freezer. Enjoy from frozen or slightly defrosted.
Bud! I could eat a million of these! Also, WHERE ARE YOU MOVING!?? Sad as I never got to visit you in Portland! Shoot. Hope the move goes well! XO
Thank you! We are moving to Reno. We both went to school, met, and got married there! Sean got a job as an engineer with the city.
These sound great and are perfect for popping in your mouth while packing. Good luck with the move! I’m sure it will be a change, but jobs are always a good thing! I think!
These look like the tastiest little bombs!! I love it!
These look insanely delish! OMG, yum!
Good luck with your move Cindy! I’ll be following along on Snapchat. I’m headed to Portland later this year, and would love a roundup of your favourite eats & treats in the city!
Good packing treats! I would stuff them in my cheeks like a tubby hamster. I hope you settle quickly in Reno and love your life there I am sure you will!
I love anything with peanut butter. What a yummy idea!
Oh my goodness, these already sounded amazing and then you went and mentioned freezing them and somehow they suddenly sounded 1000 times more amazing. Good luck with the move!
They are SO GOOD frozen!