When it’s time to celebrate, I start dreaming of a juicy fruit treat. Now, I could eat fresh berries, apples or bananas and be perfectly happy. But when company comes over or it’s a special day like someone’s birthday or anniversary–I like to dress up my fruit a little. It’s time to celebrate! That’s why I came up with this Creamy Fruit Dip. I can arrange some pretty fruit, like these strawberries, in a festive tray. And in the middle put the creamy sauce for dipping.
We served this at a “Dessert Bites” cooking class and all our guests thought it was good enough to be a pudding. And I so agree! But because it’s a rich treat, I prefer to use it as a dip. That way, I’m only getting a little fat at a time. And maybe I will have enough for all our guests at the party. But I may have to double it. The fruit could be cut up and put on the end of skewers for dipping. Or you can just have a dipping spoon for guests to put a little on their plates and dip from there. I hope this recipe will make your next celebration fruit-happy!
CREAMY FRUIT DIP
First of all, I’ll soak 1 3/4 cups pitted dates in 1/4 to 1/2 cup water for 20-30 minutes.That will soften up the dates. I usually use medjool dates for this because they are just naturally sweeter and creamier. They are the Cadillac in the family of dates. Meanwhile, while they are soaking, I will make the nut cream. In a blender, I will combine 2/3 cups raw cashews (or 1/3 cup unroasted almonds and 1/3 walnuts) with 1 1/2 cups water. While the blender is churning those up, I will add the drained dates, a few dates at a time. You may also need to add extra water to keep your blender running smoothly.
When all the dates are in and the cream looks silky smooth, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal. Again add additional water to make the mixture like a creamy pudding. Then you can remove the dip from the blender and add into a serving bowl. Stir in 2 1/2 tablespoons of carob powder and mix well. Refrigerate to chill before serving. Serve with fruit on a platter.
CHEF’S NOTE: You can whip up this luscious, creamy dip in less than 10 minutes. It’s especially delicious with apples, strawberries, cantaloupe, pears and bananas.
YIELD: 2 cups, serves 6-8 people.
Creamy Fruit Dip
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup Medjool dates
- 2/3 cup raw cashews
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 T flaxseed meal
- 2 1/2 T carob powder
Instructions
- Soak the dates in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water for 20 to 30 minutes.
- While the dates are soaking, make the nut cream. Combine 2/3 raw cashews with 1 1/2 cups water. Or you can use 1/3 cup raw almonds and 1/3 cup walnuts.
- While the blender is churning, add the soaked dates one at a time. Blend til smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla and flaxseed meal.
- If needed, add additional water to keep blender working. Continue until the mix looks like a creamy pudding.
- Spoon the content into a bowl; add the carob powder and mix well.
- Refrigerate to chill before serving.
- Serve with fruit on a platter.
