Peanut Butter Caramel Spread

Yes, you read the title right, a healthy caramel spread. But this caramel isn't made with the usual suspects, milk and sugar, it's actually made with . . .  wait for it . . . just a few more seconds to let the suspension build up . . .  almost . . . are you ready for it? . . . . . DATES!!! Dates have a wonderful caramel-y taste, and accompanied by peanut butter-y goodness, this spread is impossible to resist! Plus, it's so easy to whip up, just throw everything in a blender and your all set. And if you happen to be in a peanut butter crisis, meaning that you only have a tablespoon of two left and you don't feel like (or can't) go to the store, this is the perfect way to prolong your peanut butter sanity. I hope you enjoy! Oh, and don't be ashamed if you happen to "miss" a few spots in your blender while scooping this stuff out, I did it too. ;0)

Peanut Butter Caramel Spread.

Peanut Butter Caramel Spread
-heaping 1/2 c packed pitted dates (I used Medjool dates)
-1/4 c water + water for soaking
-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
-2 heaping tbsp peanut butter
-2 tbsp oats

Directions:
The day before, put your dates into a bowl and add enough water so that they are covered, and soak overnight. If you are in a cinch, soak the dates in boiling water for about 10 minutes. When you are ready to make your caramel, put the oats into a blender* and blend until oat flour has been made. Add the soaked dates, water, and vanilla. Blend everything until smooth, then transfer to a bowl. Take your peanut butter, and vigorously stir it into the caramel until completely incorporated into all of the caramel. If you have a harder peanut butter, you might want to soften it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before stirring it in.  Enjoy!

*I used my Nutribullet to make this, so if you have a bigger blender, it might be a bit hard for it to blend the dates smoothly. It might not happen, but if this is the case, try making a double batch (double all ingredients).