From KCRW, I'm Evan Klyman and this is good food. I think that we could all use a spoonful of sugar

right about now, or at least a cookie. And so we're taking a break from the reality show of life

and doubling down on sweetness, starting with nature's candy. That's what dates are often called.

The cultivation of the fruit grown on tall date palm trees stretches back thousands of years.

And now they finally have their own book, and it is beautiful, filled with lovely drawings.

Writer, artist, illustrator, and poet, Rowan Alcatib, is the author of Hot Date,

sweet and savory recipes celebrating the date from party food to everyday feasts.

Hi.

Hi.

I'm so glad you came to talk to us about this book.

It's so beautiful.

We all love the pink edges on the paper.

Me too. That was one of the many reasons I wanted to work with Chronicle books, actually,

because they make such beautiful books and the pink edges were one of the first things we talked about.

You were born and raised in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

So you grew up in a date-centric culture.

How are dates incorporated into the meals you and your family ate as you grew up?

You know, there are a lot of traditional regional recipes across the Middle East that use dates in all kinds of different ways,

but the most common way that you would eat a date is just out of hand.

During Ramadan, they're a huge focus of every meal because you break your fast with a date.

And so they're particularly present during that month,

but they're just around.

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