Place dates and pepper in a bowl with boiling water, cover allowing to soak for 30 minutes or until dates have softened.
Remove dates with a slotted spoon and place into the bowl of a food processor, reserving the water. While processor is running on high speed, gradually pour in ½ to ¾ cup of the reserved water. Cover blender completely. Blend 2 to 3 minutes on high speed or until smooth and the consistency of a syrup.
Store syrup in tightly covered, clean container in refrigerator until ready to use.
Recipe Tip
For Vanilla Peppered Date Syrup: Add ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract to the boiling water for soaking the dates.
Serve Peppered Date Syrup over ice cream, spiced cake, hot porridge or other hot grain cereal and yoghurt.