Dead Simple Date-Pumpkin Butter
yields about 1 1/4 cups
15 dates, pitted
1/4 cup unfiltered apple juice (look for a brand that contains nothing but apples)
1 TBSP brandy
3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree (look for a brand that contains nothing but pumpkin)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/16 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Add dates, apple juice, and brandy to a small pot. Bring to a boil, covered, reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a strong simmer, and cook five minutes.
Meanwhile, add pumpkin, vanilla, cinnamon, and pepper to a food processor. When the dates are ready, carefully add the contents of the pot to the processor. Process until smooth.
The spread can be used immediately, but it's best to chill it several hours before using to let the flavors mingle.