Step 1

In a pot, add the dates, then add over 3 cups of boiled water. Let it soak for 15 minutes.

Step 2

After 15 minutes, feel one of your dates - they should be extremely soft. Place the pan on the stove and bring the dates water mixture to boil. Lower to medium heat and cook for about 15 minutes, mashing down the dates every 5 minutes or so with a potato masher or fork or even just the sides of a wooden spoon, essentially breaking them up, scraping the pan to ensure the dates don't stick to the bottom. They will be much softer now, almost dissolving and soft enough to extract all the sugars from the dates. The mixture should resemble a loose applesauce. Remove from the heat.

Step 3

Let the mixture cool for at least 15 minutes so you don't burn yourself. Carefully spoon/scoop the dates and liquid into a nut cloth bag or cheesecloth. Squeeze out the pulp to extract all the liquid. You want to ensure only the liquid is coming out. You'll end up with about 1 cup of date pulp/paste leftover - you can make a date spread out of this or add it to muffins, waffles, pancakes and smoothies!

Step 4

Add the squeezed out liquid back to the pot (I got a little over 2 cups of liquid) and back over the heat. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer (position 2 or low on most stoves) and allow to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, until reduced to a syrup that can coat the back of your spoon. Watch and stir frequently so it doesn't burn! The liquid will begin to thicken and darken in colour until it's a deep colour and There's syrupy texture. If it gets too thick, add a little bit more water to the mix.

Step 5

Allow to cool and use anywhere you would use maple syrup, agave or other sweeteners! Enjoy!

Step 6

Store the date syrup for up to 3 weeks (depends on when you bought the dates of course).