Caramel apple dip

Caramel apple dip with apple and pear slices

I have a sweet tooth.  There's just no way around it.  I'm always on the look out for healthy options so I can indulge, but note without resorting to over processed empty calories.  I want a treat not to be a nutritional wasteland.  I think this delicious little dip fulfills those requirements with no added fat and natural sugars with just a hint of tartness.  You'll have this luscious treat together in about 10 minutes.

Caramel apple dip

1 medium apple, cored and cut into chunks (peel if it's not organic)
2/3 cup medjool dates,* pitted
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons maple syrup, agave nectar or water

Put all the ingredients in a blender and process adding more liquid as needed to make a smooth paste.

*Use the most juicy dates you can find.  If your dates seem a little dry, soak them in a little warm water to rehydrate them.  You can add some of the soaking water to the mix to help with processing.

Serve with apple or pear wedges for dipping (a spoon works too!)

Makes approximately 3/4 cup.

Thanks for reading!