Dates Walnut Bars Aka Food For The Gods

FOOD FOR THE GODS

Steps:

• Pre- heat oven at 180°C/356°F. Prepare 8in x 8 in baking pan by lining with parchment paper and set aside.
• In a bowl sift all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda and salt then set aside.
• If using dates with seeds still in them, remove seeds and chop into small pieces. Dredge dates with 1 tbsp. flour to avoid sinking into batter when added. Set aside. Chopped the walnuts and save 2 tbsp. for toppings. Set aside.
• In another mixing bowl tip in soften butter. Beat the butter using hand mixer or wire whisk until pale color or creamy. Then add the granulated sugar and brown sugar then beat until well combined.
• Add the eggs one at a time while beating until incorporated. Add the sifted flour mix and gently fold-in the until no more traces of flour left. Pour the dusted chopped dates and chopped walnuts then folds until properly mixed.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan then top with remaining walnuts. Bake in pre heated oven for 30-35 mins at 180°C or 356°F or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

FOOD FOR THE GODS (WALNUT AND DATE BAR)

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 °F.
• 2. Sift flour and baking powder 3 times. Set aside.
• 3. Combine molasses, honey and brandy.
• 4. Beat eggs and sugar at high speed until light and thick.
• 5. At medium speed, add butter.
• 6. At low speed, alternately add the brandy mixture and flour mixture.
• 7. Fold in walnuts and dates.
• 8. Bake in an aluminum foil lined pan at 350° for 15 minutes. Lower heat to 300° and bake for another 35 minutes or until done.
• Note: The times for baking are times in the original recipe. I bake it for less time, resulting in a moister cake.

DATE-AND-WALNUT BARS

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 325, and line a 13-by-18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl until well mixed and no lumps remain. Tip about 1/2 cup of the flour mixture into a medium bowl; add the dates, and toss well to coat, breaking up the dates as you go. Set aside.
• In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter with both sugars just until smoothly incorporated, about 2 minutes on medium speed. Add the eggs in 3 batches, mixing well each time and scraping down the sides of the bowl and the paddle between additions.
• Add the flour mixture and date mixture, and mix gently on low just until incorporated. Remove the bowl from the mixer, and use a spatula to fold in the walnuts. Transfer the mixture to the parchment-lined sheet pan, and use an offset spatula to spread it in an even layer, pushing it into the edges and corners and smoothing the surface. Bake until brown and set, about 45 minutes.
• Cool completely in the pan, then remove and cut into squares. Serve right away, or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.