Cognac Date Squares Food

DATE SQUARES

Steps:

• For the date filling: Combine the dates, water, sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice in a medium saucepan, stirring often, until thick and smooth, about ten minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• In a mixing bowl cream butter, then cream in sugar.
• In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and salt.
• Blend flour mixture into the butter mixture, then blend in the rolled outs.
• Grease a square Pyrex baking dish 8x8 inches/2L (I use a square baking pan of the same size).
• Put half the rolled oats mixture evenly over the bottom. Spread the cooled dates over the base. Then add the remaining rolled oats mixture over the dates.
• Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until nice and brown.
• Cool in pan. Cut into squares or bars.
• It can be frozen, but in my house it's usually gone within the next few days.

CHOCOLATE DATE SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, then grease & flour a 13"x9" baking pan.
• FOR BASE ~ In a saucepam. combine dates & water. Bring to a low boil, then remove from heat & set aside to cool. Do not drain.
• In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar & shortening.
• Add eggs, flour, baking soda & salt, mixing well.
• Add dates & mix, then pour into prepared baking pan.
• FOR TOPPING ~ Combine the 3 topping ingredients, then sprinkle that mixture over the batter.
• Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

COGNAC DATE SQUARES RECIPE

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine the dates, apple cider, Cognac and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until liquid is almost evaporated, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature.
• In a small bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and remaining salt. Add butter; mix well. Press 1-1/3 cups into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Add pistachios to remaining oat mixture; set aside.
• Spread date mixture over crust; top with reserved pistachio mixture. Bake at 350° for 24-28 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares.
• Yield: 16 servings.
• Originally published as Cognac Date Squares in Taste of Home
• December/January 2012, p63
• Nutritional Facts
• square equals 301 calories, 11 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 23 mg cholesterol, 261 mg sodium, 50 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein.
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