Date Substitutes?

[Vann167]

Hey, I love my new dehydrator, and I'm testing out a lot of Alissa's cookie and bread type recipes. I notice that a lot of them call for dates, and while I love dates to death, they do get to be pricey. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of date substitutes in recipes. Maybe raisins? I know the recipes need dates kind of so the stuff all sticks together.

Any thoughts / things you've tried that have worked?

[Rawkinlocs]

You can use raisins, dried apricots, currants, figs, etc. but be aware that they may yield slightly different flavors. Maybe if a recipe calls for dates, use half dates and half something else such as raisins, agave, raw honey (if you're not objected to it).

[aubrey]

I didn't have any dates today when I made a pie so I used refrigerated raw honey...the recipe I was wanting to use only called for a 1/2 cup of dates...I didn't have any. So I created my own crust and recipe and it turned out just fine without dates just using raw honey. I used 2Tbs of cold, raw honey per 2 cups of nuts.

[tvillemom]

I've used similar recipes (from different books) that make what would be a "date torte" of Alissa's, but the other author's version of cake using raisins. I thought is was good, and alot less expensive than dates....even though dates are probably my favorite, if I can't find any I use raisins and maybe alittle honey.
Wendi

[RawVee]

Hey, I love my new dehydrator, and I'm testing out a lot of Alissa's cookie and bread type recipes. I notice that a lot of them call for dates, and while I love dates to death, they do get to be pricey. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of date substitutes in recipes. Maybe raisins? I know the recipes need dates kind of so the stuff all sticks together.

Any thoughts / things you've tried that have worked?

Do you have a Whole Foods near you? I get tubs of dates for about $3.49. :)

[klomasius]

I sometimes use prunes instead of dates, but can't remember if these are cheaper or the same price as dates.

I also use fruits I've dehydrated myself including plums, grapes, apricots, etc.

I get my dates quite cheaply, I go to lebanese shops and buy them from big tubs. I just ask to see the ingredients (to make sure there's nothing like additives, oils, glucose etc.) and make sure they are dull (shiny ones have oil or are cooked).

I'd say sultanas would be the best date substitute for when the dates are required to hold a recipe together. But as rawkinlocs pointed out, it may mean a change in taste.

But I reckon experimenting is half the fun!

[Vann167]

thanks so much for all the help! I definitely think i'll give raisins and honey a try.. and I'll try searching whole foods for some date tub deals. :-)