Date Yogurt Shake

Summer Shake Fantasy

“Before the inland sea the valley must have been a forest. And those things happened right under our feet. And it seemed to me sometimes at night that I could feel both the sea and the redwood forest before it.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

This is everything I want in a summer shake, just sweet enough, creamy and very cold and hydrating. It has the look and taste of decadence while filled with energizing protein from yogurt and walnuts. With four dates per serving it is not too sweet. I’ve been doing tons of gardening, succulents, herbs, vegetables and then we worked on our massive front yard. When I stop for my morning break the Date Yogurt Shake quenches my thirst and hunger. I am nourished and pampered too.

As a native Californian I’m ashamed to say I’ve never tried a Palm Springs date shake. Seeing this recipe in Bon Appetit brought back memories of traveling to Coachella for work. (This was before Coachella had a huge music festival every spring.) I’d leave the Monterey Airport before dawn wrapped in a thick sweater to shield myself against the gray, wet, foggy morning. Arriving at the Palm Springs Airport before 9am it was already 85, or even 90. I felt ridiculous with a sweater. The dry, summer heat enveloped me, squeezing away any remnants of coastal California. I felt I had traveled time zones, the terrain and temperatures are so starkly different. One trip I experienced a dessert sand storm. Driving through the fast moving waves of blowing sand makes thick, wet coastal fog seem like a cozy gray blanket. The dynamic moods of the desert are extraordinary. All that intense desert heat is perfect for growing dates, one of natures finest unprocessed sugars.

Essentials

The original recipe for the Palm Springs date shake has ice cream as a main component. Googling date shake recipes lead to more decadence, 2 cups of cream, added sugar (plus dates!) and other ingredients I’m not against but it was not the shake I was dreaming of. I wanted a frosty shake that was rich and creamy but without an entire days worth of calories in one serving. I decided to make my own Date Yogurt Shake.

Once the walnuts are toasted, the recipe goes together quickly. I toast a sheet pan full of walnuts and store them in a mason jar for salads, cookies and this shake. Vary the amount of dates and ice to achieve the balance of sweet and thick that fulfills your summer shake fantasy. Remember though, like most intensely sweet things dates are caloric, 65 calories each. Take the time to include the toasted walnuts, cinnamon and a pinch of salt, it really adds to the taste and texture of the shake. If your dates are dry or your blender is not high powered, soak the pitted dates in hot water for ten minutes. Let cool to room temperature and proceed with the recipe using the date soaking liquid as part of the water component in the recipe. The recipe makes two generous servings.

	Date Yogurt Shake
1/3C	walnuts
6oz/3/4C	Greek style yogurt, 0% fat
1C	very cold water
8	dates, pitted
1/8t	cinnamon
pinch	fine grain sea salt
2-1/2C	ice cubes

1. Place two large glasses in the freezer before starting to make the shake. If your dates are dry or your blender is not high powered, soak the pitted dates in hot water for ten minutes. Let cool to room temperature and then make the recipe using the date soaking liquid as part of the water component in the recipe.
2. To toast the walnuts heat the oven to 350°. Spread the walnuts across the surface of a sheet pan and toast for 8-10 minutes. The walnuts will become fragrant and toasty brown when ready. Cool to room temperature before blending the shake.
3. In the order listed, add all the ingredients to the container of a high powdered blender. Blend on high speed until you can no longer hear chunks of ice hitting the blades, or see large pieces of date through the sides of the container. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender container if needed, then blend again. If the shake is too thick, add more ice and blend again. Pour the Date Yogurt Shake into the frosty glasses and enjoy! Like any shake, the Date Yogurt Shake is best enjoyed right after blending.