Reinvented Caramel Sauce

Reinventing kids classics is what we do best! We take the foods kids love and make a super healthy version the entire family will enjoy.  This month we’ve decided to reinvent a sweet autumn-inspired treat; something that adult and kids alike just can’t get enough of.  It’s a sweet and sticky condiment that pairs well with apples, sundaes and pies.  This month’s Halloween inspired recipea is a nutritiously delicious reinvented caramel sauce!

We’re going to turn your every day fat and sugar infused caramel sauce into a low fat, sugar and dairy free decadent dessert!  Sounds impossible right?  Well we’ve got a secret ingredient: DATES aka: nature’s candy.  Dates are not only sweet and delicious they are packed with fiber, iron and other essential nutrients.  Who knew you could feel so good about serving your little ones a dessert as decadent as Peas of Mind’s re-invented caramel sauce?

Ingredients:

• 20 pitted dates
• ¾ cup of water
• ½ cup of canned coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• a pinch of salt to taste

Method:

In a saucepan bring dates and water to a boil. Cover and let simmer for about 10 minutes or until dates are tender.  Pour into a blender (a hi-powered blender is recommended but a food processor can be used, you may just need to simmer the dates for longer).   Blend dates, water, vanilla extract and salt then slowly add coconut milk and blend until smooth and creamy adding water if necessary.  Add more salt depending on desired saltiness of caramel.  Use as a dip for fruit and cookies, atop ice cream, dolloped on your favorite desserts or directly from the blender…it’s that good!

Makes ¾ cup of caramel