When I was growing up in California we used to travel to Palm Springs for some sunshine on holidays. I know, that’s funny already, looking for more sunshine. We loved going though, nice hotels, fancy pools, great golf and tennis and their infamous date shakes. Doesn’t sound like a milkshake any kid would like, right? and honestly, until I tried it, I would agree….no thanks, but once you taste them, the super sweet, rich, and creamy delight, you will become hooked.
I haven’t thought of this treat in years. Palm Springs has changed so much since those days that I haven’t been back to that memorable Marriott in many many years. But this month, Bon Appetit magazine featured the Palm Springs Date Shake, and WOW!, memories of teenage vacation time fun came flooding back. I made them as an after-school treat and now my kids are hooked too.
Palm Springs Date Shake
Serves 2
¼ cup walnuts
½ cup dates, pitted
Pinch of ground cinnamon
Pinch of kosher salt
1 cup vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
½ cup Deglet Noor or Medjool dates, pitted
Pinch of ground cinnamon
Pinch of kosher salt
1 cup vanilla ice cream
Preheat oven to 350°. Toast walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until slightly darkened in color and fragrant, 8–10 minutes. Let cool.
Meanwhile, place dates in a small bowl and add ½ cup hot water to cover; soak 10 minutes to soften.
Blend walnuts, dates with their soaking liquid, cinnamon, and salt in a blender until a coarse paste forms. Add ice cream and ¾ cup cracked ice and blend until smooth. Divide shake between 2 glasses.
It was one of the “must” stopping places on the way to Palm Springs!
Growing up we used to make the same pilgrimage to Palm Springs on a regular basis. Our go to place for our date shakes was a very busy natural foods store called Hadley’s. Their date shakes were the best of all the rest.
I remember Hadley’s farm fresh veggies and fruits. I actually stopped there many times too.