Dates in the Classroom

Dates in the Classroom

We are currently studying Ancient Mesopotamia. When starting our unit, I always start by examining the geography of a civilization. When studying the fertile valley of the Mesopotamians, I tell the students that Date Palms grew (and still grow) along the rivers. The dates contributed to their stable food supply. After learning about date palms, I give my students some dates to taste. It is always a fun experience for me, as I watch many of their faces make a grimace look and quickly get up to throw away the date. For a few, they really appreciate and enjoy eating the date. Regardless of their reactions, I enjoy watching them experience something different in the classroom. 

I told them that the best way to eat dates is with bacon wrapped around them! Yum! I promised I’d give them the recipe, so here it is. This is a fun and easy recipe to do with your kids, and it is great for the holiday season when you gather with friends and family.  Enjoy!

First Some History About Dates

“Date palms were one of the first plants cultivated by man. The first written records of date palms being grown and harvested are from about 5000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia (current day Iraq) along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Date palms were also used 6000 years ago near Ur in Southern Iraq in the construction of the temple of the moon god. Archaeological research into ancient dwelling sites of Akkadians, Sumerians, and Babylonians has shown that houses of these ancient peoples were roofed with date palm trunks and fronds.” For more information click here

Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe

Total time: 25 minutes ( prep: 5, cook: 20)

Level: easy

Ingredients:

35-40 pitted dates

 40 salted roasted almonds

2 pounds of this bacon, cut in half

Special equipment: 35-40 toothpicks

Baking Sheet and foil

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

2. Stuff each date with 1 almond. Wrap each date with half a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

3. Place the dates on baking sheet lined with foil. 

4. Bake, turning the dates halfway through so the bacon is evenly cooked, 15 to 18 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

5. Eat up! :)

Recipe courtesy of Ree Drummond

Read more by clicking here