Date Nut Torte too raisin-y for me.

[kayla]

I really like texture of alissa's date nut torte, but I think the raisins are a bit overbearing. Does anyone alter the recipe so it still has the same consistency but makes it so it's less like I'm just eating a bunch of raisins? Should I add more walnuts? Is it possible that the raisins I'm using might not be raw so the taste is weird? It said they were 100% natural raisins and that was the best I could find.. :confused:

[Rawkinlocs]

Maybe you could do half-and-half raisins and soft (not soaked!) dates. I didn't have this problem with the torte recipe, but I have made some raw brownie recipes that as you described, were too raisin-y in flavor. So, the next time I made brownies, I just used soft dates instead of raisins or a combo of the two and it was much better.

[MelissaB]

I use dried currants. I don't like the typical raisin flavor either. The currants give it a nice fudgy texture.

[Rawkinlocs]

I use dried currants. I don't like the typical raisin flavor either. The currants give it a nice fudgy texture.

Oooh thanks for that tip MelissaB!! I will try currants next time. I buy them sometimes just to snack on, but didn't know they'd produce a different taste in recipes from raisins! :)

BTW, can anyone tell me what currants are before they're dried? I know raisins are grapes...but never really gave much thought to what currants were until now! :D

[jaurequi]

kayla, you can try golden raisins which you may find milder; but, if it's the sourish taste of raisins or they are too overpowering in flavor, I would use apricots, dates, or other mild fruit or a combination.

Best,

[rawfigure]

I use organic prunes. Double bonus give it sweetness, not to sweet and the other well known benefits of prunes.

[Cinnamon]

I've made the torte using half raisins and half prunes and I really liked it that way. I don't have a problem using all raisins and love it that way, but the currant idea is a great one that I will also try!

[exurb]

Rawkinlocs, currants are actually "currants" before they're dried.

kayla, lots of good ideas here, you could also try a "blonder" raisin, like those made with white grapes, sultanas, etc.

[Rawkinlocs]

Thanks exurb! I wondered if I was gonna ever get a reply to that!

They look so similar to raisins (only tiny)... I didn't know there was actually a fruit called a currant as I'd only ever seen them in the dried form.

[kayla]

Thanks everyone. I used more dates than raisins and added some cinnamon and it came out very very yummy, except its stickier, even when chilled. mmm! I also made it more layer-cake style with the lemon frosting in the middle.

[eachpeachpearplum]

I really like texture of alissa's date nut torte, but I think the raisins are a bit overbearing. Does anyone alter the recipe so it still has the same consistency but makes it so it's less like I'm just eating a bunch of raisins? Should I add more walnuts? Is it possible that the raisins I'm using might not be raw so the taste is weird? It said they were 100% natural raisins and that was the best I could find.. :confused:

I would add a few more nuts. No too many or it may not stick together. I also always add a good teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to mine every time - it does not taste like pumpkin pie but does add a nice something to the taste.

Also I personally ONLY eat it very well chilled - I love the consistinsy this way; I dont like it warm. Funny how these small changes make a big difference.

Try making up a batch as the recipie calls then devide into four and alter each section and see which one you like.

I am sure you will get some good suggestions from other members, they are so creative!

This is by far my alltime favorite - and soooo easy!

Cheers,

EPPP :)

[MelissaB]

Oooh thanks for that tip MelissaB!! I will try currants next time. I buy them sometimes just to snack on, but didn't know they'd produce a different taste in recipes from raisins! :)

BTW, can anyone tell me what currants are before they're dried? I know raisins are grapes...but never really gave much thought to what currants were until now! :D
Despite sharing a name with the currant berries a dried currant is actually dried champagne grapes. I've posted the description that I found at www.diamondorganics.com (http://www.diamondorganics.com) They taste different from regular raisins, made from thompson grapes typically, because of the different grape used to make the dried currants.

A variety of grape that is grown in clusters that produce very small diameter grapes. It is a seedless grape that provides a very sweet flavor for salads, appetizers or as a snack with cheese. The stem, which is also very tiny and tender, is often consumed with the grape rather than attempting to detatch the small connector from the main stem. Champagne grapes that are dried are referred to as currants, a named derived from this variety also being called the Zante Currant grape. Although it may be confused with common black, red or white currants that grow on bushes, it is similar only in shape and size, but is not the same type of fruit. The dried grape that becomes a currant is often used like raisins as an ingredient when baking cookies and sweets. In addition to Zante Currant, this grape may all be known as a Black Corinth grape.

[ambiguous]

I just want to add a warning that most (not all) golden raisins are golden because they're treated with sulfur, so be careful of your source.

[meckleyj]

When I made mine I may have left it in the food processor too long or something. I left it in until it started to really ball up. When I put it on a plate and shaped it the oils/juices from the raisins where oozing out all over. So I took a paper towel and soaked up as much oil as I could before putting the topping on. That may or maynot have reduced the high raisin flavor. Not sure because I didn't notice. But I love raisins.

[Lauradee]

I really like texture of alissa's date nut torte, but I think the raisins are a bit overbearing. Does anyone alter the recipe so it still has the same consistency but makes it so it's less like I'm just eating a bunch of raisins? Should I add more walnuts? Is it possible that the raisins I'm using might not be raw so the taste is weird? It said they were 100% natural raisins and that was the best I could find.. :confused:


lol i thought i was the only one who didn't like all the raisons.

i think using the date comb is a good one

that would make it taste like your not

putting a whle gob of mashed raisons in your mouth at one time


now i am getting hungry. will have to make the lemon version soon .


cheers,
laurs