LEMON DATE SQUARES

20 squares, 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup walnuts

• 1 1/2 cups dates, pits removed (preferably soaked for 5-10 minutes in warm water)

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp lemon zest

• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder, freshly ground

• 1/4 tsp rose water (optional, but really nice for the summertime)

• 3/4 - 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup shredded coconut

DIRECTIONS

1. Add the walnuts to a food processor and blend into a flour-like consistency.

2. Add the dates (after straining), vanilla, lemon juice, lemon zest, cardamom powder, rose water and salt. Blend until all ingredients are well combined.

3. Add the coconut and pulse to combine.

4. Spread batter onto a square baking dish covered in parchment paper.

5. Garnish with extra coconut flakes and lemon zest as desired.

6. Cut into squares and enjoy!

#kidfriendly #vata #pitta #kapha #dessert #snack

Notes

• Storage options:

  • Store in the fridge: covered, in a container, for up to 7 days, BUT this can be vata aggravating because the fridge adds the cod/ dry qualities to the food. One way to reduce this would be to pull them out 10-15 minutes before consuming so they are at least room temperature (knock the chill off).

  • On the counter: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry, shaded place for 2-3 days. This is only viable if your kitchen stays below 75°F (24°C). Otherwise, the natural sugars and moisture may attract mold or cause spoilage.

  • Freezer: Separate squares with parchment paper and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp for 1–2 hours or warm slightly to bring back softness. Ideal if you batch-make and want to pull a few out at a time. And remember, there are cold and dry qualities in the freezer too, so this can also be vata aggravating.

• For vata: this is great for you overall, but you could add a touch for moisture in the form of a fat - ghee! Add 1 tbsp ghee.

• For kapha: Replace ½ cup of the dates with dried figs or apricots to reduce the heaviness and stickiness. You can also add ¼ tsp dry ginger to encourage lightness and metabolism.

• For pitta: Good as is! You could reduce the lemon juice slightly to 1 tbsp to reduce the acidity/ sour nature of this dish.