Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Fold in dates and almonds. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is golden brown. Let cool in pan before cutting into squares.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Serving Size: 24 squares
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 170
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Protein: 2 g
Ingredients with Measurements:
- For the butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil.
- For the dates, you can use raisins or dried cranberries.
- For the almonds, you can use walnuts or pecans.
Variations:
- You can add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
- You can add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a chocolaty treat.
- You can add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a spiced flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help the squares to be light and fluffy.
- Make sure to spread the batter evenly into the pan. This will help the squares to bake evenly.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cooled squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the squares in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5-7 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the squares on a platter with fresh fruit.
- Serve the squares with a scoop of ice cream.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle the squares with powdered sugar.
- Drizzle the squares with melted chocolate.
Pairings:
- Serve the squares with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- Serve the squares with a glass of cold milk.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Serve the squares with a side of yogurt.
- Serve the squares with a side of fresh fruit.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the squares are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the batter.
- If the squares are too crumbly, add an extra egg to the batter.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Make sure to discard any leftovers after 5 days.
Food History:
Dates and almonds are both ancient ingredients that have been used in baking for centuries. Dates were first cultivated in the Middle East, while almonds were first cultivated in the Mediterranean.
Flavor Profiles:
The dates and almonds in this recipe give the squares a sweet and nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the squares as a dessert after dinner.
- Serve the squares as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Chewy, Caramel, Caramel-Like