Learn Together
Exploring a variety of nutritious foods from around the world with your child helps develop an understanding and appreciation of other cultures and traditions.
Materials
- 30 dried dates
- 4 oz. crème fraiche
- ½ cup pistachios
- 10 strands of saffron mixed in 1 tsp. of milk
- ½ tsp. cardamom powder
- 1 tbsp. honey
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Zip lock bag
- Scissors
Make Together
Dates are a fruit that grows in tropical and desert climates and has an important place in Middle Eastern and North African cultures.
Dates are considered a symbol of power, triumph, abundance, and faith and are a staple in celebrations like Ramadan and Eid. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, taking neither food nor water. Every night after sunset families hold iftar, a meal to break the fast, where dates are eaten.
Dates provide a quick boost of energy for those who fast. They are also a rich source of fiber, potassium, and calcium, which help keep our bodies healthy.
Let’s make stuffed dates with a recipe from our friends at The Culture Tree. There are lots of ways to try this creative recipe. You can improvise your own based on your favorite spices and nuts. You can even make savory dates with goat cheese, vegetables, herbs, and meat.
- Split the dates down the middle leaving one side attached.
- In a small bowl, beat the crème fraiche, saffron, and cardamom until creamy. Add in the honey.
- Stir in ¼ cup of the chopped pistachios.
- Place your filling in a zip lock bag.
- Cut the corner of your zip lock bag to make a piping bag.
- Now you can fill the center of each date with the filling with no mess.
- Top with additional pistachios and enjoy.
- Make sure to store your uneaten stuffed dates in your refrigerator.
The Culture Tree promotes cultural literacy about South Asia through language classes and educational and cultural programs for children and their families to instill a deeper connection with their heritage and the world around them.