DATE OASIS
INGREDIENTS:
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1 1/2 cups Non-dairy milk
Use unsweetened almond, oat, coconut or cashew milk as the base. Each brings a unique flavour and texture, while providing a smooth, creamy consistency that blends beautifully with cacao and warm spices
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2 tablespoons Cacao powder
Adds a rich, deep chocolate flavour with naturally earthy and slightly bitter notes.​
2 Dates, pitted
Act as a natural sweetener, adding rich caramel-like sweetness with subtle fruity undertones. Soft, moist dates blend more easily and help create a naturally thick and smooth drink.
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1/2 teaspoon Amara Spices Ceylon Cinnamon powder
Adds delicate warmth and natural sweetness with subtle woody and citrusy undertones.
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1 teaspoon Amara Spices Vanilla
Introduces a rich, sweet and comforting vanilla aroma with delicate floral and creamy notes.
INSTRUCTIONS:
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1. Add everything to a pot
Pour 1½ cups non-dairy milk into a small pot.
Add:
2 tbsp cacao powder
2 pitted dates
½ tsp Amara Spices Ceylon Cinnamon powder
1 tsp Amara Spices Indian Vanilla
Stir the mixture once or twice. The cacao may float on top at first. That is normal. It will loosen as the milk warms.
Use a pot that gives the milk some room. Non-dairy milk can foam as it heats, and a little extra space helps prevent spills.
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2. Bring it to a low boil
Set the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a low boil.
A low boil means small bubbles appear around the edges and the surface starts moving gently. You do not need a hard boil. In fact, a hard boil can make the milk taste cooked and may cause it to spill over.
Stir now and then so the cacao does not settle at the bottom.
​3. Let it simmer for 5 minutes
Once the mixture reaches a low boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
This step does a few useful things:
It softens the dates, so they blend more easily.
It helps the cacao dissolve into the milk.
It allows the cinnamon and vanilla to spread through the drink.
It gives the mixture a rounder, deeper flavour.
Keep the simmer gentle. You should see light movement in the pot, not rapid bubbling.
​​4. Transfer the mixture to a blender
Turn off the heat and carefully pour the warm mixture into a blender.
This is the only step where you need to slow down. Hot liquids release steam, and steam expands quickly. If your blender jar is too full or the lid is loose, liquid can splash.
​5. Blend until smooth
Blend until the drink looks smooth and creamy. This may take 30 to 60 seconds, depending on your blender and the softness of the dates.
The texture should be even, with no large date pieces left. Tiny specks of date or spice are fine. They add character and do not affect the drink.
If you want an extra-smooth finish, pour the drink through a fine strainer before serving. This is optional. Most blenders will give a pleasant texture without straining.
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6. Pour and enjoy
Pour the Date Oasis into your favourite mug and enjoy it warm.
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