Charoset -- Passover 2013 -- vegan, raw, and super yummy

We grew up with charoset made of apple, walnut, and kosher wine. To me it was terrible, because I'm not a fan of the taste of wine in food. Now, that may be just me, but if you are like minded, here is a recipe you might enjoy. The dates, lemon, vanilla, and ceylon cinnamon all give subtle layers of flavour that balance beautifully with the apples and walnuts. Super yummy.

ingredients:

1 cup raw walnuts, ground in the food processor

1/4 cup pitted honey dates, pulsed into the ground walnuts

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and finely grated -- I used one gala and one pink lady 

1 tsp ground vanilla bean

1 tsp ceylon cinnamon

1/4 tsp sea salt

1 tbsp lemon juice

directions:

1. grind the walnuts in the food processor
2. add the dates and pulse until combined
3. put into a bowl, then stir in the grated apple, sea salt, lemon juice, vanilla bean, and cinnamon
4. if your apple shreds seem too long or big, give the whole thing a pulse or two in the processor
5. store in an airtight container in the fridge. This made exactly 2 cups, but it will vary a little depending on the size of your apples.