Mint Tea and Stuffed Dates

Mint Tea and Stuffed Dates

This Mint Tea and Stuffed Dates are served as a sign of welcome and because for many Arabic countries alcohol is forbidden. It is very refreshing though sweet. I like to put some mint in the glass as well as the pot and it is always poured from a great height into pretty glasses.

Serves 8
Preparation: 5 minutes
Cooking: 5 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Chinese green tea
1 large bunch fresh mint (spearmint is good)
5 cups (1.25l) boiling water
½-1 cup sugar cubes, according to taste

Method

1. Swirl some boiling water around teapot and then drain. Drain the water from the pot. Place the tea in the pot; and half the mint. Pour over the boiling water and stand for 3 minutes.
2. Stir in the sugar and stand for 3 more minutes. Pour some of the tea into a heatproof glass and then pour it back into the tea pot. Repeat this process and then pour into a small glass to taste. Add more sugar, if required.
3. Place a sprig of mint in every glass and using a strainer, pour over tea. Do not overfill the glass.

Stuffed Dates

Dates can be served plain or stuffed with pieces of walnut, dried fig or almonds. Almonds make my favourite Stuffed Dates.

Serves 6-8
Preparation: 5 minutes

Ingredients

12 fresh dates
12 large or 24 small whole un-blanched almonds

Method

Cut a slit down one side of each date and poke in 1 whole almond or 2 small almonds so that one side is showing. Serve with Mint Tea or coffee.