Date Biscuit Balls (2 ways)

Ingredients

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 (60g) Lotus biscuits, broken into medium chunks
• 3 finely ground biscuits, for coating
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 (60g) digestive biscuits, broken into medium chunks
• Ground pistachio, for coating
• 250 g pitted soft dried dates, like medjool. (weight is after they've been pitted)
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• Hot water, if need

Instructions

1. 1

   Roughly chop pitted dates into medium chunks.

2. 2

   In a medium skillet, melt the butter over...: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the chopped dates and stirring continuously, sauté the dates until they become very fragrant, mushy and paste-like when pressed on with a spatula.

3. 3

   While still hot, transfer the date mixture to...: While still hot, transfer the date mixture to a food processor, add in the spices of the respective flavor variation of choice (either Digestive Cardamom or Ginger Lotus), and process until smoothly pureed and homogenous. If its not blending up into a smooth paste, add in hot water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth paste-like consistency. Be careful not to add too much water, as this could soften it up too much to be shaped into balls.

4. 4

   Transfer the date mixture to a medium bowl,...: Transfer the date mixture to a medium bowl, and fold in the crushed biscuits of the flavor variation of choice (either Digestive or Lotus). Cover the bowl and refrigerate until barely warm, about 15 minutes. This makes them easier to shape into balls, without sticking to your hands. Do not refrigerate until cold, or the coating won't easily adhere to the balls.

5. 5

   Using a 1 tablespoon-size mini ice cream scoop...: Using a 1 tablespoon-size mini ice cream scoop or a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop out the date mixture onto a baking sheet.

6. 6

   Roll the scoops into balls then roll into...: Roll the scoops into balls then roll into the coating of the flavor of choice; ground pistachios for Digestive Cardamom or ground Lotus for Lotus Ginger.

7. 7

   Place in mini cupcake liner if desired, then...: Place in mini cupcake liner if desired, then arrange on a serving platter or gift box and serve at room temperature or cold. Store leftovers in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for about a week, if not longer, and in the fridge for over a month.