Dates are simmered with spices (cumin, red pepper flakes, ginger and lemon) until soft and stewy, then served up with toasted pita bread. Sadly mine did not turn out to be the pretty deep color of Joy the Baker's, it was sort of pallid and reminiscent of refried beans. It definitely didn't taste like refried beans, though... zesty, sweet, and quite spicy, for sure.
I like this dip, but it's not my favorite date dish thus far. My favorite still falls firmly in the salty-cheese stuffed category.