Paleo Vanilla Date Paste! Great alternative sweetener for those following a paleo/primal/sugar free/gaps diet/lifestyle.

• 1-2 cups of pitted dates
• 1 vanilla bean pod
• 1 tsp salt
• Water
• Flavor options: shredded coconut, cacao, cinnamon, etc

*You can double or triple this recipe, depending on how often you need a sweetener or want to make it!

Stuff as many pitted dates into a jar (I used a small mason jar). If you want to make the paste right away, fill the mason jar to the top with hot water and let sit for at least 15-30 minutes (You can also let sit for a few days if not making right away). After dates are done soaking, put into a food processor and add in the rest of your ingredients. Mix. And mix. And mix some more. It may take 5-10 minutes of running the food processor, but keep blending till smooth. Store in a container for up to 2-4 months in your fridge. Dates add a subtle sweetness to baked goods and can be used as a substitute for sugar, honey, maple syrup… anything!