Pull open the dates and release the pits by hand. Use a paring knife cut the date lengthwise into strips. Make them as narrow as possible. Then try to mix them with your hands, and you will notice the date strips will stick together to a pliable dough, which is exactly what we want.

Roughly chop the walnuts using a serrated knife.

In a wide skillet over medium low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of ghee and add the chopped walnuts, and stir frequently to avoid burning them, when the nuts have picked up a golden color, which will take about 3-4 minutes, they’ll be perfectly toasted with that beautiful nutty scent. Be careful not to take them too far — you don’t want to accidentally burn your nuts. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the walnuts to a plate lined with a paper towel and allow them to cool down completely. Roughly chop the pistachios and toast them the same way you did with the walnuts, remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to another plate lined with kitchen paper towels and leave them to cool down completely.

Melt the remaining tablespoon of ghee in the same wide skillet and add the diced date paste and cook over medium low heat, 5-7 minutes, stirring all the time, the mixture should gradually loosen a bit, add the chopped walnuts and half of the pistachios. Stir together to integrate the nuts with the date paste.

Remove from heat and set aside allowing the mixture to cool down a bit, just to be able to handle the heat (but don’t leave it to cool down completely).

Spread a large sheet of parchment paper on the counter. Sprinkle randomly the remaining pistachios and add the poppy seeds.

Add the date mixture and press it into a log with your hands, bring it back and forth, allowing the poppy seeds and pistachios to stick to the date log; roll it tightly in the paper, smoothing the shape as you go. Twist the ends tightly and chill for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

Slice the desired pieces with a serrated knife and wrap the rest with cling film, refrigerate for long. When your sugar cravings hit reach your fridge and take a slice, it is a healthy snack! Enjoy!