Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie … check this nice dessert: Date parcels stuffed with frangipane and pomegranate

How to Make Date parcels stuffed with frangipane and pomegranate

Preparation time:

1-2 hours

Cooking time:

30 mins to 1 hour

Serves:

Serves 4

Dietary:

Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the date parcels

• 16 large medjool dates
• 40g/1½oz soya margarine
• 6 sheets vegan filo pastry
• sunflower oil

For the frangipane filling

• 1 tbsp rosewater
• 40g/1½oz caster sugar
• 6 tbsp water
• 70g/2½oz ground almonds
• 30g/1oz fresh pomegranate

For the garnish

• 50g/1¾oz shelled pistachios
• 50g/1¾oz fresh pomegranate

Method

1. Place the halved dates between two sheets of greaseproof paper. Using a rolling pin, roll firmly to flatten into a rectangle about 13cm x 25cm/5in x 10in. Lay the greaseproof-wrapped date sheet onto a baking tray and leave to set in the fridge for 30-40 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, make the frangipane. Mix the rosewater, sugar and water in a small pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Add the ground almonds and beat to make a smooth, thick paste.

3. Put the soya margarine into a small pan and heat gently to melt. Then pour into a bowl and set aside until needed.

4. To assemble, take the date sheet out of the fridge and set it on a flat board. Peel off the top layer of greaseproof paper, trim the edges to make them neat and cut the date sheet into three rectangular pieces, each about 12cm x 8cm/4½in x 3¼in. Divide the frangipane between the date pieces, spreading it down the length in the middle of each and leaving a small gap at each end. Sprinkle over the pomegranate seeds and roll each piece into a long sausage shape. Using a sharp knife, trim the ends and cut each roll into four pieces.

5. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. Take a piece of filo pastry and brush the edges with the melted margarine. Roll up a date piece in the pastry, twisting each end like a wrapped sweet to seal. Trim the ends with a sharp knife. Repeat with the remaining pastry and date pieces, then transfer to the fridge for 15 minutes.

6. Meanwhile, scatter the chopped pistachios over a non-stick baking tray and roast in the oven for 6-8 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Remove from the oven and reserve for the garnish.

7. To finish the date parcels, heat the sunflower oil in a deep pan to 180C/350F. (CAUTION: Do not leave the hot oil unattended.) Drop an off-cut of pastry into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is hot enough. Fry the date parcels in batches for about four minutes, or until golden-brown, then drain on kitchen paper. Serve garnished with the pomegranate seeds and toasted pistachios.