The date palm is believed to have originated around the Persian gulf which has been cultivated in ancient times from Mesopotamia to prehistoric Egypt as early as 6000Bc and among Muslims is known to be one of the heavenly fruits.

THE USES OF DATE & THE SEED:

Date seeds are soaked and grounded for the oil witch is suitable for use in soap & cosmetic products. They can also be processed chemically as a  source of oxalic acid.

In Pakistan a viscous, thick syrup made from the ripe fruits is used as a coating for leather bags & pipes to prevent leaking.

Date and Nut Cake

Ingredients: (*Approximately 8 servings):
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 5 eggs
• 1 cup flour sifted with
• teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground clove
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup of  pitted and chopped dates
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

How it's done:
Cream the butter. Add the sugar and continue to mix until well blended. Add the eggs one by one, while still mixing. Add the sifted flour and the spices. Mix well and include the dates and the nuts sprinkled with a little flour. Add the vanilla mixing it slowly. Bake in a greased and floured round pan. Cook at 200 C for 30 minutes.

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Date Cookies

Ingredients: (*Approx. serving: Three dozens)
• 1 1/3 cup  pitted and chopped dates.
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup sifted flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup of cream

How it's done:
Mix the melted butter, the sugar, and vanilla, completely. Add the egg and mix well. Blend in the dry ingredients. Keep mixing and alternate adding the cream. Add the dates. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Cook at 200 C for 10 minutes.

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Easy Date Squares

Ingredients: (*Approx. 16 servings.)
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup packaged biscuit mix
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cups of chopped and pitted  dates
• 1 cup broken walnuts

How it's done:
Beat eggs till light; gradually add sugar, beating till thick and lemon colored. Combine biscuit mix and salt. Stir into egg mixture. Add  dates and nuts. Pour into greased 9 x 9 x 2 inch square pan. Bake in moderate oven (350°) for 35 minutes. Cool slightly. Cut into 2 inch squares.

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Dates with Cheese....simply exquisite dessert

Ingredients:
• dates
• Pieces of Pizza or cream cheese

How it's done:
Pitt the dates and fill them with little pieces of cheese.

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