Medjool Date Syrup with Halloumi Fries

For the Medjool date syrup

1. If your Medjool dates have stones in, remove the stones first then place into a bowl and fill the bowl with hot water so that all the dates are covered. Leave to soak for 45mins.

2. Transfer the dates and water to a saucepan on a medium heat and add the remaining water. Bring to a simmer and simmer gently with the lid on for up to 3hrs stirring occasionally until a smooth consistency is achieved.

3. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

4. Pour the mixture into a cheese cloth and use this to squeeze the date liquid into a bowl. (The date paste isn’t waste. You may want to keep this as a flavoursome addition to your morning oats or yoghurt)

5. Pour the squeezed liquid into a clean saucepan and simmer gently until it has reduced to a consistency that you’re happy with. Do not over reduce because the syrup will thicken once cooled.

6. Allow the date syrup to cool before storing in a sealed jar or container.

For the Halloumi fries

1.Cut the Halloumi into finger sized sticks.

2. Coat the freshly cut Halloumi on all sides with plain flour.

3. Pour the oil into a frying pan on a medium-high heat (no need to have the oil too deep, you can turn the Halloumi to cook all sides).

4. Add the flour coated Halloumi to the pan and fry until golden and crisp on all sides.

5. Remove from the pan (be careful not to splash oil onto your hands or arms) then lay the fries on kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil.

6. Serve warm along with the Medjool date syrup for dipping.