Matrimonial Date Squares
photo by CulinaryQueen
- Ready In:
- 45mins
- Ingredients:
- 12
- Serves:
-
16-20
ingredients
-
FILLING
- 1 lb dates
- 1 cup cold water
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (can use realemon)
-
CRUMB MIX
-
IN A LARGE BOWL
- 2 1⁄4 cups flour
- 3⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1⁄2 cups margarine
- 1 1⁄2 cups brown sugar
- 2 1⁄4 cups oatmeal (I use Quaker Oats)
directions
- FILLING.
- In pot over medium heat bring cold water and dates to a boil, and simmer two minutes, until dates nicely softened.
- Add Brown sugar, simmer until sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat, blend in the orange and lemon juice and set aside while making crumb crust.
- CRUMB CRUST.
- In large bowl put in the flour, soda, baking powder, salt and blend with a whisk to mix.
- Add the brown sugar and rub in the margarine with the tips of fingers to mix.
- Add the oatmeal and mix well.
- ASSEMBLY.
- Spread and pat half the crumbs in bottom of a greased 9x13 pan, saving the other half for the top.
- Cover base with cool date filling and spread evenly.
- Top with the rest of crumb mix.
- Bake at 325 for 30- 35 minutes or (until top nice and gold).
- Servings will depend on on the size of slice you wish to serve, small for the dainty tray or large and generous for dessert.
Reviews
-
I usually always make my bars by memory but decided to follow your recipe . I am glad I did, came out very nice and not overly sweet at all. I did use the dark brown sugar Walmart brand that I had on hand it seems to have more molasses than others, and it worked out great. I also added some cinnamon to my crust. Oh and used a tsp zest in with the dates also. I will make these again I am sure many times.
-
Wonderful! This is very similar to an old recipe I have called Matrimonial Diamonds. Mine only calls for lemon juice and lemon zest, though, so I love the addition of orange juice! These are old-fashioned but oh-so-delicious. I definitely recommend using the full pound of dates for moistness and flavor. Thanks, Gerry!
see 6 more reviews
RECIPE SUBMITTED BY
<p>I live in Saskatchewan where hospitality and food go hand in hand. Community suppers, Beef Pit Barbecues, Church suppers, potlucks, tea and bake sales, booths at the curling and hockey rinks in winter, the ball games in summer. What is truly the spirit of Saskatchewan is that these events are for most part the efforts of community volunteers sharing their time as well as their best make and takes. Small communities along with the larger centres across the province are well known for their turkey suppers, cabbage rolls, perogies and overflowing dessert tables. Homemade of course! <br /> <br />I love preparing meals for my family and friends and in the sharing of good recipes be they mine or that of another. My posted recipes are recipes that are family favorites. My reviews here on Zaar allow that I have been most fortunate in the choosing of the recipes I have made. Without doubt we all love those over the top desserts and dishes to serve on special occasions and for those fives are a given. For me equally important are the recipes used in the daily meal preparation. Recipes enjoyed by my family be it a simple soup, salad or casserole are right up there with the 'over the tops' and share equal billing. Yes five star ratings ... if my family enjoyed, I would serve to invited guests, take to a pot luck, coffee hour or bake sale. <br /></p>
<p>Aside from cooking and baking I admit that my interest in gardening exceeds that of the norm. I collect cookbooks, my favorites being the community and church cookbooks that have everyone sharing their favorite recipes. Enjoy yard sales on occasion but tend to keep my hands in my pockets, cannot completely resist when it comes to the glassware, baskets and of course cookbooks. I take great pleasure in reading with non fiction being my first choice when it comes to the choosing.</p>