Chocolate Date Energy Delight

Ingredients 

• 250 gr Medjoul dates, cored

• 1 tbsp. cacao powder 

• 50 gr dark chocolate

• 1 tbsp. Medjoul date syrup or honey syrup

• One full tablespoon coconut oil or 20 gr soft butter

• 50-75 gr unsalted pecan nuts/walnuts/almonds, chopped fine 

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

To prepare these delectable treats, start by combining all the ingredients except for the nuts/almonds/sesame seeds either by hand or using a food processor. Next, break the chocolate into pieces and melt it, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn't burn. Once melted, allow the chocolate to cool slightly before pouring it into the Medjoul date mixture. Use the food processor to thoroughly mix everything together, then add the nuts to the blend. With the mixture ready, take walnut-sized portions and roll them into balls. Repeat this step until all the mixture is used. Finally, let the balls set either in the fridge for a softer texture or in the freezer for a longer-lasting treat. Enjoy the irresistible delights of these homemade delights!

Tag us @HouseOfJerusalem on Instagram when you share this delicious recipe with your friends and family!

Oat Date Bake

(Image credit: Izy Hossack)

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans

• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon raw sugar

• 1 tablespoon arrowroot or cornstarch

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 6 medjool dates, pitted and chopped

• 3/4 cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 2 fresh figs, thinly sliced

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Combine the chopped pecans, 1 tablepoon of the raw sugar and the arrowroot in a small bowl. Place the butter in a deep 8-inch pie dish and put it into the oven for 5 minutes, just until the butter has melted. Swirl the melted butter around the pan to grease it, then scoop out 2 teaspoons of the butter and add to the pecan mixture. Stir the pecan mixture together and then set aside.

3. In a large bowl combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, chopped dates and remaining 1/4 cup of raw sugar. Add the egg, milk and remaining melted butter to the bowl then stir together well. Pour the mixture into the buttered pie dish and decorate with the sliced figs. Sprinkle the pecan streusel mixture over top.

4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until browned around the edges and set. Cut into wedges and serve warm or room temperature with yogurt and fresh fruit.

Tag us @HouseOfJerusalem on Instagram when you share this delicious recipe with your friends and family!

The Original Story of Medjoul Dates

Picture of Date Palms in Jericho Palestine

Step into the enchanting world of date palms, where each frond whispers tales of ancient civilizations and culinary traditions passed down through the ages. As we embark on this journey through history and horticulture, let's unravel the captivating story of the Medjool date, a treasure revered by cultures spanning millennia.

Picture this: millennia ago, in the cradle of civilization, the date palm graced the landscapes of Mesopotamia, its resilient presence woven into the very fabric of daily life. From the construction of temples to the adornment of Egyptian hieroglyphics, its significance knew no bounds.

Venturing further back, we find ourselves in the coastal realms of Phoenicia, where the date palm reigned supreme, earning its title as the "Phoenix" and symbolizing abundance and prosperity. The legacy of these ancient civilizations lives on in the rich tapestry of date cultivation, a tradition upheld by modern farmers across the globe.

Picture of a palm tree from the Assyrian civilization – in the British Museum

Fast forward to the present day, and the Medjool date stands as a testament to the enduring allure of this ancient fruit. Renowned for its luscious texture and unparalleled sweetness, it holds court as the "King of Dates," a title earned through centuries of careful cultivation and reverence.

Nestled in the sun-kissed embrace of the Jordan Valley, the Medjool date finds its perfect habitat, thriving amidst fertile soils and balmy temperatures. Here, in the lowest point on Earth, the land yields its bounty, offering a glimpse into the timeless rhythms of agricultural life.

As we savor the succulent flesh of the Medjool date, let us not only indulge in its decadent flavor but also pay homage to the generations of farmers who have tended to these majestic palms. In each bite, we taste the essence of history – a reminder of the enduring bond between humanity and the land. So, next time you reach for a Medjool date, take a moment to savor not just its sweetness, but the stories it carries from time immemorial.

The Legacy of Palestinian Olive Oil

Palestinian Farmer during the Olive Harvest 2017

In the heart of Palestine, amidst ancient olive groves that have witnessed centuries of history, lies a treasure revered by generations: Palestinian olive oil. This golden elixir carries within it the essence of Palestinian culture, heritage, and resilience, embodying a legacy that stretches back through the annals of time.

For millennia, olive trees have thrived in the fertile soil of Palestine, their sturdy trunks and silvery leaves standing as symbols of endurance and perseverance. From the terraced hillsides of the West Bank to the sun-kissed orchards of Gaza, Palestinian farmers have tended to these trees with unwavering dedication, their hands weathered by the sun and soil.

The legacy of Palestinian olive oil transcends mere culinary significance; it is a testament to the deep-rooted connection between the Palestinian people and their land. Passed down from one generation to the next, the art of olive cultivation and oil production is a cherished tradition, binding communities together in a shared reverence for the land and its bounty.

But the story of Palestinian olive oil is not without its challenges. Decades of conflict and occupation have threatened the livelihoods of Palestinian farmers, disrupting centuries-old agricultural practices and endangering ancient olive groves. Yet, amidst adversity, Palestinian farmers have persisted, their resilience shining through in every bottle of olive oil harvested from their ancestral lands.

As consumers, we have the power to honor and preserve the legacy of Palestinian olive oil.

By choosing to support Palestinian olive oil producers, we not only celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Palestine but also stand in solidarity with those who continue to nurture the land against all odds.

So let us raise our voices in recognition of the timeless legacy of Palestinian olive oil. Let us embrace its rich flavors and aromas, knowing that with each taste, we honor the resilience, perseverance, and unwavering spirit of the Palestinian people.

Our Founding Purpose

At House of Jerusalem, our mission is to transport the essence of Palestine to every corner of the globe, allowing people worldwide to savor the authenticity and tradition of our beloved homeland. Through importing the highest quality Palestinian foods, we aspire to recreate the genuine culinary experience of dining in Palestine, right at your table.

We are committed to curating a selection of the finest Palestinian ingredients, ensuring that each product carries the unmistakable taste and heritage of our culture. Our aim is for every consumer to feel connected to Palestine as they enjoy our offerings, experiencing the rich flavors, aromas, and traditions that define our land.

Our vision extends beyond sharing the flavors of Palestine; we are deeply committed to supporting the local Palestinian economy and harvesters. By sourcing our ingredients directly from Palestinian farmers and producers, we aim to empower local communities and ensure fair compensation for all involved, including the hardworking harvesters who play a vital role in bringing these ingredients to life.

We believe in fostering partnerships with Palestinian suppliers, ensuring fair compensation and opportunities for growth. Through our dedication to ethical sourcing practices, we not only preserve the authenticity of Palestinian cuisine but also actively promote the prosperity of the people who cultivate it.

With each purchase from House of Jerusalem, you not only indulge in the taste of Palestine but also join us in our mission to uplift and empower Palestinian communities and harvesters. Together, let's savor the flavors of tradition while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who call Palestine home.