• 500g (1 lb) dates
• 1/4 c gin
• 1/4 c vodka
• 1 inch grated ginger
• 5 cardamom pods

Method:
Rinse dates, leave the seeds in. Drain well. Place in bottle, add alcohol, cardamom and ginger. Cover. Place in fridge.

Turn occasionally to allow liquid to cover dates completely. Keep at least a few days to allow the flavor to develop. They can be kept like this for months, the flavor will only improve.

I discovered the recipe Ginny Dates in From The Ambassador’s Table
by Margaret H. Dickenson, which was loaned to me by an Ambassador’s wife years ago. There are some really great recipes and other tips in this book and I recommend it as a worthwhile book to have around. The ginger and cardamom adds an exotic heady perfume while enhancing your circulation. Eat in moderation.