Dates

[Yummys_Girl]

Date-Fig Balls

1 cup dried dates
1/2 cup dried figs
1/2 cup prunes
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup crushed walnuts
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
3 tbsp. lemon juice
1 cup coconut

In a food processor or food grinder, finely grind dates, figs, prunes and raisins. In a medium bowl, mix ground fruit with nuts and seeds. Stir in lemon juice. Shape into 1/2-1" balls. Roll in coconut. Dry in your dehydrator (http://www.everythingkitchens.com/fooddehydrators.html) at 135º for 4 to 6 hours, or until crisp on the outside.
Makes about 30 balls.

[cat lover]

Date Rolls


1/4 cup shortening
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tbsp sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1 tbsp skim milk
12 pitted whole dates
Glaze (recipe follows)


Heat oven to 425 degrees. Grease 8" round or square pan. Cut shortening into flours, sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl with pastry blender till mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in yogurt and milk till dough forms a ball. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll in flour to coat. Knead lightly 20 to 25 times. Divide dough into 12 pieces and keep dough covered while making rolls. For each roll pat 1 piece of dough into 3" circle on a floured surface. Put 1 date in the center of circle and bring edges of dough over date; pinch and seal to form a ball. Repeat with remaining dough pieces and dates. Put 8 or 9 balls with seam side down around edges of pan. Put remaining balls into the center. Bake 17 to 19 minutes or till golden. Remove from the pan and place on wire rack. Cool 10 minutes. Drizzle with glaze. Serve warm or let stand till cool. Makes 12 rolls

Glaze

1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp skim milk
1/8 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients till smooth.