Ingredients:

 

1/2 cup (approximately 4 to 5 dates) pitted California dates, coarsely chopped*

1/2 cup cold milk

1 cup good-quality vanilla ice cream 

1/4 teaspoon freshly-grated nutmeg (optional)

Whipped Cream (optional)

 

* Preferably Medjool Dates. Other dates have thicker skins and don't blend as well.

 

 

 

Instructions:

 

In a blender, process the dates and 1/4 cup milk at high speed until smooth.  Add remaining 1/4 cup milk, vanilla ice cream, and nutmeg; blending at low speed until well mixed.  The goal is to achieve a paste-like texture with minimal chunks.

 

Pour into a tall, chilled glass, top with whipped cream, and serve immediately.

 

Makes 1 serving. 

 

 

Variation Ideas:

 

Chocolate Date Shake:  Add 1 1/2 teaspoons chocolate syrup.

 

Chocolate Chip Shake:  Substitute chocolate chip ice cream for the vanilla ice cream.

 

Orange Date Shake:  Substitute 1/2 cup orange juice for 1/2 cup milk.