De-seed and soak Medjool dates in 1 cup of filtered water for about 30 min.
Transfer Medjool dates with soaking water into a high-speed blender; combine with blanched almonds*, a pinch of salt, cardamom seeds, and 1/2 cup of water. Blend until smooth and well-whipped.
Into a saucepan, combine Agar Agar powder with 1 cup of cold filtered water. Bring it to a boil while stirring constantly. Keep it going on medium-low heat for about 5 min or until Agar Agar is completely dissolved. Turn off the heat and set aside.
Add almond/date mixture to the saucepan with hot Agar Agar mixture. Combine well. Pour into a rectangular or square glass container*** (or silicone mold). The layer should be about 1 inch thick. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Remove from refrigerator, flip the dish onto a cutting board. Cut into square pieces. Now almond squares are ready to be garnished and served or stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Topping - Blueberry Compote
Add 1 tbsp of water and blueberries to a saucepan. Heat up while stirring frequently. Once berries start to break down, reduce heat add Heaven on Earth spice mix, cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 8-10 min. Add the maple syrup in the end and mix well. Transfer to a jar and let cool in the fridge.Can be stored in an airtight jar for up to 3 days.
Assembly
Place each square on an individual serving plate, pour blueberry compote over.
Optional: You can sprinkle it with roasted slivered almonds for crunch or add some mint lives.
Notes
*soaking the almonds is not included in the prep time (12 hours).**Soaking and blanching almonds;
Using mesh strainer, rinse thoroughly under running water.
Place almonds into a glass or ceramic bowl and add lukewarm water with a pinch of salt. (the water level should be slightly more than double the height of the ingredients in the bowl.)
Place a cotton towel over the bowl;
Soak overnight (12 hours);
Drain off soaking liquid and rinse thoroughly with fresh water;
Remove almonds’ skin;
If your almonds are too hard to peel after soaking:
Place almonds in a heatproof bowl.
Pour 1½ cups of boiling water over the almonds.
Keep almonds under hot water for 7 seconds.
Drain immediately (after 7 seconds) and rinse.
Peeling almonds after this process is a breeze; after 7 seconds, they are still “alive” yet easy to skin.***You can pour the mixture into small individual serving bowls as well.