Hot Date!: Sweet & Savory Recipes Celebrating the Date, from Party Food to Everyday Feasts

The stunning cookbook debut from poet and artist Alkhatib (King Crab, a board book) sings the praises of dates. She provides a mouthwatering history of the “holy fruit,” extolling it as a symbol of survival and bounty for many cultures. With more than 3,000 varieties, the date is a remarkably versatile ingredient, as Alkhatib ably demonstrates in recipes drawing from her Indian and Palestinian roots. Crispy sautéed dates on a saffron and ricotta “cloud” are “a messy pleasure” perfect for eating with the hands. For a more modern take, there are tater tots tossed in date butter, while breakfast options include date and tahini granola. Vegetarian mains abound—among them bulgar mujadarra, “a hearty rustic tangle of caramelized onion, earthy lentils, bright lemon juice, and smoky cumin-scented rice or bulgur”—as do chicken, beef, lamb, and seafood dishes. For lighter meals, soups and salads take center stage. Rounding things out is a dessert chapter with such offerings as black tahini chocolate chip cookies with medjool dates. Many recipes require hard-to-source ingredients (e.g., lime leaves, mastic, nigella, and Turkish chili), but a helpful section on “where to shop” will guide home cooks over this hurdle. Alkhatib’s sumptuous paintings, narrative anecdotes, and illustrated poetry make this more than just a cookbook. It’s a powerful ode to a multifaceted fruit. (Feb.)