IZZE!!

I got a package the other day from IZZE, as in the sparkling juice IZZE. I was already familiar with the stuff, but when a company sends you promotional material that includes samples in addition to a super cute T-shirt, some orange fizzy lip balm, and other goodies, it’s best to dig a little deeper when writing them up.

The range of flavors, colorful logo and simple design make the bottles a wise choice for both serving and displaying at parties. This I’ve seen. But I didn’t know the company was founded (by two friends, Todd Woloson and Greg Stroh) on the principal of giving back. From the start, IZZE has partnered with Global Education Fund, an international nonprofit supporting children in need through education.

IZZE is made from pure fruit juice and sparkling water with no refined sugar, preservatives or artificial flavors. And you can tell from one sip. Yum. I tried Sparkling Peach, Grapefruit, low calorie Mandarin and low calorie Watermelon.

IZZE also encourages artistic creativity inspired by the creativity of their brand. Check out the web site for a gallery of artistic pieces inspired by the IZZE logo, submit your own, and even design a T-shirt. People are using the bottles and bottle caps for centerpieces, jewelry, candleholders… You’ll also find a link to the blog and recipes for entertaining, including smoothies, popsicles, cake, vinaigrette, and more.

I made cookies inspired by the logo, because that ‘s what I do. Though hmmm, I should’ve tried adding a bit of sparkling juice to the dough. Next time. For tips on making the cookies, CLICK HERE.

I’m completely smitten with the idea of Dubai-style desserts — elegant, a touch exotic, and somehow always Instagram-ready. I haven’t made it to Dubai (yet), but these chocolate-dipped dates bring that luxe, golden glow right into my kitchen. They’re the kind of treat that looks like you spent hours making them, but really, you’re done in under twenty minutes.

They’re sweet, sticky, nutty, and just the right amount of fancy. Perfect for gifting, nibbling with coffee, or impressing that friend who thinks “homemade” means complicated.

Ingredients

12 Medjool dates, pitted
¼ cup pistachios or almonds (to stuff inside)
100g dark chocolate (or milk chocolate if you prefer it sweet)
1 tsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Crushed pistachios, shredded coconut, or edible gold flakes for decoration

Instructions

Prep the Dates:
Slice each date along one side to remove the pit, keeping the date mostly intact. Fill the cavity with a whole almond or a few chopped pistachios. Gently close the date back up.
Melt the Chocolate:
Place chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
Dip and Decorate:
Dip each stuffed date halfway into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Lay them on a parchment-lined tray. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with crushed pistachios, coconut, or a pinch of edible gold flakes for that Dubai sparkle.
Chill and Serve:
Pop the tray into the fridge for about 10–15 minutes, just until the chocolate firms up. Serve on a pretty platter or package them in small gift boxes.

Optional Flavor Twists

Rose Touch: Add a drop of rose water to the melted chocolate for a floral note.
Saffron Luxe: Dust the top with crushed saffron threads before chilling.
Coffee Kick: Dip in mocha-flavored chocolate for a bolder bite.

Why You’ll Love These

They’re everything Dubai desserts stand for — rich, refined, and effortlessly elegant. A little old-world tradition wrapped in modern chocolate bliss. Keep a few in the fridge for when you need something sweet but can’t be bothered to turn on the oven.

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Ingredients

Instructions

Optional Flavor Twists

Why You’ll Love These

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