I had a bunch of dates and pistachios so here's dates 4 ways. Pictures of each one are attached. The first one is one of the easiest, most delicious no-bake snacks or desserts. Naturally sweet, creamy, and crunchy—perfect for holidays, or whenever you want something healthy-ish. Pic 1- Pistachio-Stuffed Dates Ingredients (makes ~20 pieces) • 20 large Medjool or Khudri dates (pitted) • ½ cup shelled pistachios (roasted & lightly salted or unsalted) • Optional fillings/toppings: • Soft goat cheese, labneh, mascarpone, or cream cheese • Tahini + honey • Rose water or orange blossom water (a few drops) • Melted dark chocolate for drizzling • Crushed pistachios or rose petals for garnish Instructions • Use a small knife to slit each date lengthwise and remove the pit if not already pitted. • Stuff each date with 2–4 whole pistachios (or crush them slightly if you want more coverage). • Optional upgrades: • Pipe or spoon a little goat cheese/cream cheese into the date first, then press in the pistachios. • Drizzle with a tiny bit of honey mixed with rose water. • Dip half the stuffed date in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed pistachios. • Chill 15–30 minutes (helps everything set if you used cheese or chocolate). • Serve at room temperature for the best flavor. Fancy Variations- • Persian Love Dates (Pic 2): Stuff with a mix of pistachio butter + a touch of cardamom, then roll in finely chopped pistachios. • Bacon-Wrapped (sweet-salty) Pic 3: Wrap stuffed date in half a strip of bacon, secure with toothpick, bake 400°F/200°C for 12–15 min until bacon is crispy. • Chocolate Pistachio “Snickers” Dates (Pic 4): Fill with pistachio butter (or natural peanut butter + chopped pistachios), freeze 30 min, dip in melted dark chocolate, sprinkle sea salt. They keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks (or freezer for 2–3 months). Enjoy! These disappear fast whenever I make them.

Brami pasta has gained traction among individuals looking for a cleaner, protein-forward alternative to traditional wheat-based noodles. Made primarily from lupini beans, it offers a nutrient profile that is naturally aligned with whole-food eating rather than the highly processed formulas that dominate most “better-for-you” pasta products. At its core, Brami pasta stands out for three reasons: protein density, low glycemic impact, and ingredient simplicity. Lupini beans are one of the highest-protein legumes available, and that translates directly into a pasta that supports satiety, muscle maintenance, and steady energy. For people trying to balance family life, busy schedules, and healthier habits, the ability to stay full longer without relying on heavy carbohydrates is a meaningful advantage. Another differentiator is the low net carbohydrate count. Brami pasta supports blood-sugar stability more effectively than wheat or even many “high-protein” blended pastas. This makes it appealing for individuals pursuing sustainable weight loss, parents seeking energy that lasts throughout the day, or anyone wanting a cleaner nutritional baseline without feeling deprived. Finally, the ingredient list is short and recognizable. Because Brami pasta avoids fillers and unnecessary additives, it is easier on digestion and clearer for people who want transparency in what they eat. It functions as a whole-food swap instead of a highly engineered substitute.

Found these three clean ingredient items at Costco that are new to our store. Check them out and be in the lookout for them in other stores.

Okay gang, today at Sprouts, I discovered Khudri dates (also spelled Khudry or Khodry) which are one of the most popular varieties from Saudi Arabia, especially from the Al-Qassim region. The taste is rich, caramel-like sweetness with distinct toffee/molasses undertones with light chocolatey notes. It’s sweeter and more intense than Medjool but less “fruity” than varieties like Barhi or Deglet Noor. They're semi-dry to dry on the outside, but the inside is surprisingly chewy and moist (not as soft and gooey as fresh Medjool) and let me tell you, I love Medjool dates!!. The skin is thin and slightly wrinkled, often with a matte, dark mahogany color. It has a pleasant chewiness that’s not too sticky or fibrous. The dryness of the skin gives a subtle “snap” when you bite in, then it becomes soft and fudgy. They are very highly regarded, often ranked in the top 3–5 Saudi varieties alongside Sukkari, Ajwa, and Safawi. Loved by people who prefer a deep, caramel/molasses flavor over super-fruity or honey-like dates. Excellent energy snack (high natural sugar + fiber), great with coffee or tea (especially Arabic/Turkish coffee), and commonly used during Ramadan. Quick comparison: Sweeter and more caramel-forward than Medjool Less sweet and more complex than Sukkari (which is almost candy-like) Cheaper and larger-sized than tiny, intense Ajwa dates. Bottom line: DELICIOUS!!

The Benefits of Grass-Fed Beef Tallow (And Why It Belongs in Every Kitchen) Most people still reach for seed oils without realizing how much those highly processed fats are working against their long-term health and energy. If you want a cleaner, more nutrient-dense alternative that actually supports metabolic function, grass-fed beef tallow deserves your attention. Why Grass-Fed Tallow Matters 1. Exceptionally Clean Fuel for the Body Grass-fed tallow is rich in bioavailable fatty acids that the body uses efficiently for sustained energy. No inflammatory additives. No industrial processing. Just pure, natural fat your cells know how to use. 2. High Smoke Point = Better Cooking If you sauté, sear, roast, or air-fry, tallow gives you stable heat without the oxidation you get from seed oils. That stability protects flavor and nutrient integrity. 3. Loaded with Fat-Soluble Vitamins Vitamins A, D, E, and K2 are critical for hormone balance, immune support, and healthy skin. Grass-fed tallow delivers these in forms your body absorbs easily. 4. Skin and Joint Support Because tallow closely matches the fatty acid profile of human skin, many people use it for moisturizing, healing dryness, and supporting elasticity. Internally, its natural CLA and stearic acid help reduce inflammation and support joint health. 5. Perfect for Ancestral, keto, low-carb, and clean-eating lifestyles Tallow aligns with the nutritional patterns that human physiology was designed for, keeping your cooking simple and your meals deeply satisfying. If you want to upgrade your pantry with high-quality grass-fed beef tallow, you can order it directly from my Amazon store here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/patrickmckennahealth/list/3ODSSNQS0YJ3E?ref_=aipsflist