Sharing a Recipe for Something Sweet this Eid

The date is an important food in Ramadan and during celebration at the end of the month. Ramadan is the holy month of Islam in which Muslims fast, or abstain from food from dawn to sunset. Many Muslims break their fasts with dates during this month and I would love to share with you some of the benefits of this fruit and why it is a popular item in Ramadan.

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said, “If any among you keep a fast, he should end it with a date or else with water for it is pure.” Dates are mentioned more than 20 times in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. The Holy Prophet Muhammad ate dates to break his fast.

Dates do not need artificial preservatives to store over time. They have a high glucose content which helps to revitalize the body rather quickly. They are high in antioxidants, which may contribute to many of their health benefits, including helping to lower inflammation. Dates have a fair proportion of iron in them and are high in fiber. Other than breaking fast with them, dates are also a great addition to your daily diet.

If you don’t have access to dates, below are some alternatives that are good substitutes for the fruit:

1. Prunes

2. Dried Raisins

3. Dried Cherries

4. Jujube

5. Plums

Recipe for Stuffed Dates:

Step 1

Mix cream cheese and Gorgonzola cheese together in a bowl.

Step 2

Cut a slit into each date so they can be spread flat. Spread cheese mixture into each date; top with a piece of walnut.

We usually begin Eid-ul-Fitr, or the breaking of the fast celebration, by eating a date as well. Eid is a celebration that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. We help people and we set up charities and food drives. We visit family, friends, and neighbors. Girls also put on mehndi, or henna, to celebrate. At night we all gather to end the fun-filled celebration.

This Eid I wanted to share with my dear neighbors a favorite date recipe of mine. I hope you enjoy this sweet treat for yourself!