What could be a more delirious combination than a cashew encased in a sweet date. To my mind, nothing! Cashew-date is a pure, natural treat, and has particularly been a long tradition in Hyderabad region (Charminar area). A favorite at tens of small shops specializing in dates, dates with cashews is prepared by stuffing sweet, moist dates with fresh cashews. When you take a bite, first you would get the caramel like date and then the cashew, which balances and enhances the date experience. It’s a pleasant mini jugalbandi. Vijay and I, we both enjoy cashew-dates.
I think it would be refreshing to eat something uncooked, raw as it is given by the earth at the end of a meal before leaving the table. I believe that’s why fruit is served at the end of traditional meal. A date with cashew is another succulent way to conclude the meal with the sweet taste of Mother Earth.
A Date with Cashew ~ for Chandrika’s Date Event
Moist and sweet dates – pits removed
cashews – whole, raw (or unsalted, roasted ones)
****
Gently push the cashew into the date, in place of pit.
If the dates are on the firm side, warm them in a oven/microwave for five seconds to soften. This will make the dates pliable and placing cashews will be easy. (This works on firm dates, trust me). Store them in a box, or wrap each one like a candy.
Natural pick-me uppers and also make a sweet gift to share with friends and family.
Yeah!! I am first one to write a comment.
I just loved this idea. Perfect for holiday parties. And super healthy too.
Comment by Anjali Damerla — December 10, 2007 @ 1:38 pm
Yeah for me too.:)
I was able to retrieve your comment from spam karma.:)
They sure are a neat treat. Give it a try Anjali, if you haven’t tried already.
Comment by Indira — December 10, 2007 @ 1:44 pm
dates with almonds inside were the ‘candies’ my mom used to add to my school lunchbox.
Comment by bee — December 10, 2007 @ 2:04 pm
Cool idea, looks good too.
Comment by Raji — December 10, 2007 @ 3:09 pm
We used to have it as kids, especially during diwali. I had forgotton about it. You have brought back a lot of memories. Looks delish.
Comment by vimmi — December 10, 2007 @ 3:59 pm
Wow Indira simply delicious! I rmember we used to eat kaju and raisins(kishmish) like that. Sandwich each raisin in a whole cashewnut.. Thanks for remining me that sweet surprise..
Comment by kalva — December 10, 2007 @ 4:01 pm
I often have this, but with almonds instead. Or sometimes if I am feeling decadent – almonds and coconut flakes.
Comment by Diane — December 10, 2007 @ 4:19 pm
I was in Saudi Arabia and dates are available in plenty and in all sorts of varieties. Date stuffed with dry nuts like cashew, almonds and pitachios are common. Fresh dates half ripened from the tree are sold on street corners. These taste really great. The best ofcourse are choclates dates. Many of my friends from east and west have metioned…that thier wives forget all the good things they bought them in life if they dont take these every year back home.
They also sell date paste. Its good as a bread.
http://www.kingdomdates.com.sa/
Kingdom dates is one of the best in saudi for all sorts of dates u can imagine.
Comment by VK — December 10, 2007 @ 6:02 pm
Elegance *and* eloquence in motion, Indira 🙂
Comment by Linda — December 10, 2007 @ 7:50 pm
Delicious and healthy too? That’s what I want! Thanks for a great idea!
Comment by Meera — December 10, 2007 @ 7:52 pm
Awesome idea. Sure would give a try.
Comment by kuttibalu — December 10, 2007 @ 8:22 pm
mmmm…looks yummy. we at home are all love with dates and would for sure try this.
Comment by Nirmala — December 10, 2007 @ 8:44 pm
Simplicity at its best.
Comment by Suganya — December 10, 2007 @ 10:42 pm
Indira, simple things look more beautiful then made up ones, hats off for your amazing talent
Comment by Padmaja — December 11, 2007 @ 1:28 am
looks so yummy as they both are my favs!!
Comment by Padmaja — December 11, 2007 @ 1:29 am
I love this idea. Can you tell me are they raw cashews or roasted? And where did you get your great candy wrapper?
Comment by VegeYum — December 11, 2007 @ 2:21 am
looks gr8!! very healthy treat too…
Comment by swaroopa — December 11, 2007 @ 7:45 am
Hi Indira,
http://www.jijasali.com/recipe.php?recipe=12
check this for your turnip recipe
vineela
Comment by Vineela — December 11, 2007 @ 11:39 am
Hi Indra
I like this combination, and off late i used almonds instead of cashews. But i guess cashews will win the competition. Did you use raw cashews or roasted ones?
thanks
Comment by Rohini — December 11, 2007 @ 12:25 pm
What a gr8 idea Indira…. cool…
Comment by anusriram — December 11, 2007 @ 12:50 pm
I love your blog and have actually made a few of the recipes listed. I like the way you bring a little history & sociology into the mix. I had blog rolled you a while back, just thought of topping it off with this comment. Great job!
Comment by Divya — December 11, 2007 @ 3:01 pm
How cute!
~ Siri
Comment by Siri — December 11, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
How, funny! My MIL just sent us dates stuffed with almonds. Similar idea. Will try your version, too!
Comment by Kalai — December 11, 2007 @ 6:48 pm
Thank you all for your short and sweet notes.
Hi Vegeyum and Rohini: I used raw, whole cashews. Roasted-unsalted variety are also good with dates. Candy wrapper – from my halloween candy giving leftovers.:)
Vineela: Thanks for posting the link. Shameless photo stealers. I’ll be contacting them.
Divya: Thanks.
Interesting concept for your new blog. Best wishes!
Comment by Indira — December 11, 2007 @ 8:35 pm
Indira, I tried dates with cashews today. I never thought that dates would be this tasty. Simply wonderful!
Thank you for sharing such good recipes with us so generously. As a token of my gratitude, I purchased my college books through your amazon link.
Thanks again, and Happy Holidays!
Comment by Meenakshi — December 14, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
Hi Indira,
I was introduced to your site by a friend of mine……Anil! Yes,a guy 🙂 I was so surprised to know that a guy was avidly following your site. Am really glad he introduced me to your site. Your site is so pleasing to eye, so aesthetically designed, and the receipies are absolutely delicious. Thank you. I’ve discovered ways to cook capsicum and brinjal in ways I never knew existed. Am looking forward to more such receipes from you.
Happy New Year to you. And eagerly awaiting your return.
Comment by Sumana Gowda — December 31, 2007 @ 12:29 am