I wanna be your lover, I wanna be the only one that makes you come running.  I wanna be your lover, I wanna turn you on, turn you out, all night long, make you shout.  Oh, lover!  Yeah, I wanna be the only one you come for.- I Wanna Be Your Lover, Prince

If any of you are like me then you also have a serious sweet tooth.  But I know that sugar is the devil so I do my best to limit my daily intake.  This weekend I was jonesin' for some caramel and remembered that dates taste very similar to caramel.  After searching through youtube recipe videos I combined a few and came up with this recipe.  I didn't know what to expect but I must say this is divine...and healthy.  Have you ever tried date caramel?  Did you like it?

Date Caramel
1 Cup Pitted Medjool Dates
1/4 Cup Coconut Manna or Coconut Cream
1/4 Cup lite Coconut Milk
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 pinch Sea Salt

If your dates aren't gooey you will need to soak them in water for at least 15 minutes.  Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.  I wanted my caramel thick, if you prefer a thinner consistency that is more like a sauce you can add water until you get the consistency you want.  I would suggest no more than a couple of tablespoons at a time.

You can add date caramel to everything you would add regular caramel to: desserts, espresso or coffee drinks, ice cream or banana nice cream, etc.  I have been eating this straight no chaser, because it tastes that good to me.

This simple concoction has been used to help with everything from constipation, acid reflux, indigestion, gas, heartburn, colds, the flu, UTI's, lactic acid build up, hangover effects, gout, joint problems and as an antiseptic.  In summary, it alkalizes the body and removes excess uric and lactic acid.  There are a lot of good things in this simple drink.

Baking Soda and Lime Juice

• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup or 4 Tbsp lime juice
• 12oz water

Directions:
In a tall galss add the baking soda then slowly add the lime juice.  Add it slowly because it will fizz up A LOT!!!  Once it is done fizzing, make sure the baking soda is completely dissolved, then add the water.  After that, drink it down.  

Some say to drink it after a meal, others say drink it before you go to bed or upon awakening.  I believe it depends on why you're drinking it.  Whenever you drink it make sure you are near a bathroom for at least an hour because it will make you go!