By Hasnaa Hassan / 2 Jul 2013

Dates are very high in nutrition value, they provide a wide range of essential nutrients, and are a very good source of dietary potassium.

The sugar content of ripe dates is about 80%; the remainder consists of protein, fiber, and trace elements including boron, cobalt, copper, fluorine, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc.

Several kinds of dates grow in the Arabian countries and the Middle East.

Here, we present easy recipes of dates.

Date Nut Squares

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup evaporated milk

2 cups chopped pecans, hazelnuts, or walnuts

1 1/2 cups finely chopped dates

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:

In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, salt, and evaporated milk.

Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar is dissolved.

Cook it and stir occasionally, until mixture reaches softball stage* or to 236° on candy thermometer.

Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients.

Let stand until lukewarm, then beat with a wooden spoon until mixture is creamy and loses its gloss.

Spread mixture in a 9-inch square pan and let stand until firm. Cut into squares.

It makes about 2 pounds of candy.

Date Cookies

Ingredients:

1 package (8 ounces) dates

1 cup pecans or walnuts

1 can (3.5 ounces) flaked coconut

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 egg

Preparation:

Chop dates and walnuts; add half of the coconut, brown sugar, and egg.

Mix well then, Shape into 2-inch fingers and roll in remaining coconut.

Place date cookies on greased baking sheets and bake at 350° for 10 to 15 minutes.

It makes about 2 dozen chewy date cookies.