Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious treat? This 3-ingredient dessert made with dates and walnuts is the perfect choice. Packed with natural sweetness and wholesome goodness, it’s a guilt-free snack or dessert that takes only 10 minutes to prepare. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dates (pitted)
- 1 cup of walnuts
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (optional, for a chocolatey twist)
How to Make It
Prepare the Ingredients
- Ensure the dates are soft. If they’re a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain.
Blend the Mixture
In a food processor, add the dates and walnuts. Blend until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together when pressed. For a chocolate flavor, add the cocoa powder and blend again.
Shape the Dessert
- Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls.
- Alternatively, press the mixture into a small dish or pan and slice into squares.
Optional Decoration
- Roll the balls in crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or cocoa powder for added texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
- Healthy: Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sugars.
- Quick: Ready in just 10 minutes—perfect for busy days.
- Versatile: Enjoy as an energy-boosting snack, post-meal treat, or even a party dessert.
Storage
Store the dessert in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. It’s a perfect make-ahead treat!
Enjoy the Goodness
This easy, 3-ingredient dessert combines the natural sweetness of dates with the crunch of walnuts, creating a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so good! ??✨
What Are Witches’ Stairs? A Simple Explanation of This Strange Home Design
Witches’ stairs are a strange but interesting design feature that became popular on TikTok a couple of years ago. Even though they have an unusual history, their name doesn’t really have to do with superstition. Instead, these stairs are a clever design choice. When made and installed correctly, they can be both useful and nice to look at!
Witches’ Stairs aren’t what they Appear.
While the stories about witches’ stairs might sound more interesting, they actually have a very practical purpose. They are really useful in homes with little space, like attics, lofts, and tiny houses. Witches’ stairs are designed to save space while still allowing you to go from one floor to another. Architects often call them “alternate tread stairs.”
How Witches’ Stairs Function
Photo Credit: itsthatrealestatechick | TikTok
Witches’ stairs are designed to save space in two ways. First, each step is only half as wide as regular steps, and the steps are staggered. This makes the staircase narrower than a traditional one. These smaller stairs can also be used for extra storage, like for books or displaying items. According to Scott Schuttner, who wrote “Basic Stairbuilding,” the distance between the steps on one side of an alternating-tread stair is twice the height of the rise, which gives you more space on the steps and makes them safer.
Besides being practical, witches’ stairs meet building codes and safety standards in the U.S. A standard staircase is usually 3 feet wide, while a residential witches’ staircase is typically between 27 and 30 inches wide.
Real Origins
Photo Credit: itsthatrealestatechick | TikTok
In 1985, a businessman named J.M. Lapeyre created a metal version of witches’ stairs. He thought these stairs could be a safe alternative to ladders in commercial and warehouse settings, especially in tight spaces where ladders might not be safe. This design is also used on commercial ships and oil rigs, and it can be called ship stairs or ship ladders, in addition to witches’ stairs and alternate tread stairs.
Misconception
Photo Credit: itsthatrealestatechick | TikTok
When videos of witches’ stairs first appeared on TikTok in 2021, they were linked to an urban legend. According to this legend, these staircases were built in 17th-century Massachusetts to keep witches away during the Salem witch trials because “witches can’t climb up them.” This idea has been proven false, but another rumor suggests that Thomas Jefferson came up with the design. Because of this, witches’ stairs are sometimes called Jeffersonian or Jefferson stairs. However, an original version of the design was also mentioned in a book called “Monckton’s One Plane Method Of Hand Railing and Stair Building,” published in 1888.
Debunking the Myth
Photo Credit: conspiracy___time | TikTok
The exact origins of witches’ stairs are a bit unclear, but one thing is clear: there’s no historical evidence that they were designed to keep witches away. Historian Robin Briggs has studied many historical sources and found no mention of stairs that could disable witches. Interestingly, some people with these unique staircases also buried “witch bottles” or included dead cats in their homes for protection against witchcraft, but Briggs calls this idea “pure disinformation.” He notes that the closest belief was that putting a broom over the door would trap a witch inside.
While it’s fun to think about myths and legends, it’s also interesting to know the real history of witches’ stairs. Regardless, they offer a unique and decorative alternative to regular staircases, adding a fun and quirky touch to home design.
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