Tahini Date Shake

Nature's Energy Drink.

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Tahini date shake is a great energy-packed start to the day!

Ever since a trip last year to Palm Springs, I’ve been trying to recreate the perfect date shake I had there. It was plant-based, made with an oat milk ice cream and, for someone who’s been avoiding dairy, tasted like the most decadent milk shake ever. Dates have always been my go to pick-me-up, middle-of-a-tennis-match energy booster. I seek out plump medjool dates like the ones shown below from Rancho Meladuco Date Farm in the Coachella Valley not far from Palm Springs. They sell “No Date Left Behind – Grinders” which are imperfect but delicious and, as they say, who doesn’t love a cheap date?

When first trying to recreate a perfect California date shake, I started with a base of oat milk, bananas, and dates. I then decided to switch to oats and water since they are the base of oat milk without any of the additives and, when I did, I found I liked the texture that the blended oats added.

Linda Pugliese

suggested a spoon or two of tahini for added protein and an underlying umami. Peanut butter would do just as well, if you prefer. Vanilla extract, himalyan pink salt, and a touch of cinnamon make this shake into a real treat. It’s filling, just sweet enough, and will give you an amazing kick start to the day.

Rancho Meladuco Grinders

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Tahini Date Shake

Dates are high in fiber, iron, potassium, and niacin but they also have a high sugar content making them a great natural sweetener and perfect base for a satisfying shake. Traditional versions are often made with vanilla ice cream— we’ve used homemade oat milk, ice, and frozen bananas to replicate that creaminess with added nutritional benefits.

Makes 3 cups (enough for 2-3)