Delectable Date Balls

The blessed month of Ramadan is here, and you most likely have a plate of dates for your family to break their fast on daily. Dates are incredible superfood, and a Sunnah food too! They're loaded with key vitamins and minerals, and provide your body with the nutrients and energy it needs for a great day. Whether it's Ramadan or not, I advise my clients to consume dates on a regular basis. These date balls are very presentable and easy to make. 

Dates are a great holistic remedy for constipation and indigestion. I always advise my clients attempt such natural ailments before reaching for the medicine cabinet. They're also extremely beneficial for women during their menstrual cycles as they replace essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and calcium that are lost during menstruation. You can read more on the benefits of dates and how they can help you heal your various symptoms in my book, Sunnah Superfoods. For now, let's get to the recipe before iftar time. :) 

Ingredients:
2 cups date paste (pitted dates, pureed)
2 tablespoons cinnamon, ground
½ teaspoon nutmeg, ground
½ teaspoon cardamom, ground  
½ teaspoon ginger, ground  
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup raw walnuts
1 cup raw pistachios
1 cup unsweetened organic cranberries, coarsely chopped  
             
Directions:

1. Place the date paste in a large mixing bowl. Add the spices and mix well.
2. In a food processor chop the nuts (separately) into coarse pieces. Place in individual bowls. 
3. Place the olive oil in a bowl. Dab the palm of your hands with olive oil and roll the date paste into ½-1 inch balls.
4.  Roll each date ball into either walnuts, pistachios, or cranberries.
5. Place on a serving plate. Cover well and refrigerate for optimum freshness.