I don’t know how we became a “desserts house.” I’ve never considered dessert an essential part of any meal, but somehow, Kiddo latched onto the idea that dessert is the necessary conclusion to every day. Plain fruit, the obvious alternative to a white sugar-laden treat can get a little boring after a while, but lately we have all been enjoying the under appreciated date.
Dates are not a commonly served treat here in the States, but I remember the huge tins of date sugar that we used to have in the cupboard when I was growing up. Admittedly, we were certainly in the minority with our use of date sugar in the 1970s!
I am happy that Kiddo loves dates because, as you might not realize, dates are quite healthful. Personally I love the sticky honey sweetness of the Medjool date, but I am content that Kiddo prefers the drier texture of the less expensive Deglet.
Also, on another, more personal note (if you’ve decided to read such a long post), dates are a great treat for those of us (including me) who have given up sugar. And yes, I did give it up even before I read the now famous NY Times article. Okay, so I still have a spoon of honey in my morning tea, but I have resisted all purchases or making batches of sweet baked goods. Well, I did have the toffee and chocolate covered matzo that my husband brought home during Passover…
Not eating so much sugar has definitely increased my energy levels and even though in no way did I give it up as a weight loss measure (in fact, I’m sure my calorie intake has increased, due in no small part to my high level of date consumption), my pants are noticeably loser. Sure enough, 5 pounds are mysteriously missing.
So what about you? Do you serve dessert? Do you like dates? Have you ever given up sugar?
MaryAnne says
I love dates, but haven't bought them in ages. Thanks for reminding me of them! I haven't ever given up sugar, although I am more conscious of how much I consume than I used to be…
Christy says
We have dessert on the weekends and once in a while as a special treat, but not every day.
I have considered dates, but I have never actually tried them – going on my shopping list. I didn't know there were different kinds????
I would love to consume less sugar. How did you get started?
Raising a Happy Child says
I haven't had dates in a while! Anna does get dessert – a strip from IKEA chocolate. I am not a sweets person even though I never gave up on sugar (or anything else for that matter). My undoing is salty foods.
Amy says
We haven't cut sugar out, but we have cut back. My boys love dates too and I have been making homemade larabars (tons of easy recipes online)with dates, nuts, and other dried fruits that satisfy a dessert craving without any added sugar.
Bona Fide Mama says
Love dates and I am pretty creative with them if you need some more ideas.
And my kids think every day needs several desserts 🙂
custody of child says
Giving up on sugar is like….giving up on eating! lol. I could never imagine my life without sugar in it. Dates are pretty much healthy although I haven't tried them yet.
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Shannon says
I agree with Custody of Child, although I no doubt SHOULD give up sugar. I just can't imagine being able to. Even when I tried for Lent two springs ago, I fell off the wagon now and then and really suffered! But I wish I could. Also, I love love love love to bake. My family loves my baking. My life would be empty!