Zesty Date & Walnut Filling - No added sugar!

No much of a looker, huh? You bet! But taste comes first always. Plus there can never be too many fillings in your repertoire. This one happens to be added sugar free, exotic and aromatic with the orange zest in it. You can use it to sandwich those barely sweet cookies, as a filling in your mini pies and tarts, in your sweet rolls or strudel. Who says Christmas has to be all about mincemeat /fruit mix in just about everything? 


This recipe from Alice Medrich is super simple and fast. It is infinitely adaptable, so customize it to your taste and what you have in your pantry. The filling can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator at least a month, she says. But given the power situation in our country, let us make it 10-15 days at a conservative estimate. 


The recipe has just a few ingredients, so make sure you use the freshest and the best quality ones,it makes a world of difference! 

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Date And Walnut Filling

Ingredients: To make 2 cups of filling

Moist, soft dates, pitted and chopped - 2 cups
Soft unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons
Pinch of salt
Water - 3-4 tablespoons (plus more as needed)
2 fresh Oranges, preferably organic
Walnuts - toasted and chopped - 1 cup

Method:

• Take all ingredients except the walnuts in a heavy saucepan. Grate the zest of the oranges directly into the saucepan.
• Cook on low heat until the dates are extremely soft and mushy.
• Mash with a potato masher to make a paste.
• Let all the water evaporate, but make sure the filling doesn't dry out. We need it moist.
• Take it off the heat, cool completely before stirring in the walnuts. That will ensure they retain their crunch.
• Store airtight in the refrigerator for 10-15 days. 

The filling tastes great as it is straight from the jar, I can tell you that as I have been eating spoonfuls now and then. Gives me more ideas to try, but that will have to wait. 

Try this soon and let me know how you liked it. In the meantime,do check more Christmas recipes in my playlist here. While you are at it, please do not forget to subscribe to my channel!

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