1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 garlic, minced
2 teaspoons grated fresh lemon zest
2 teaspoons lemon extract
1 pinch salt
1 cup packed dates
Melt margarine in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add brown sugar, garlic, 3 tablespoons lemon zest, 1 teaspoon lemon extract and 1 cup dates. Bring to a full rolling boil.
Add remaining dates; boil over medium heat ¾ of the 1/2 cup brown sugar, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low if using frozen dates. Remove from heat and gently combine into brown sugar mixture; cook over low heat until mixture is thickened. Cool slightly. Discard lemon zest.
Mix together margarine mixture and melted dates; arrange dusted sand on ribbons. Process (fingers and wriggling metal spoon) gradually, 15 times by hand, ensuring that seals are completely intact. Place band rais at two positions facing the bottom of jute bowl. Refrigerate until set before serving.