Anitas Moms Date Squares Recipes

NEWFOUNDLAND DATE CRUMBLES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper if you want.
• As noted in the recipe description, some people prefer these date squares with less filling so you can reduce the amounts in the filling by 1/4, 1/3 or even 1/2 if you prefer.
• In a medium saucepan combine and gently simmer until thickened (about 10-15 minutes).
• The filling should be very thick; you will need to watch it carefully and stir constantly in the last few minutes of cooking time.
• Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the crumble mixture.
• In a large bowl, toss together the rolled oats, baking powder, coconut, flour and brown sugar.
• Using your hands, rub the butter thoroughly through the dry ingredients.
• Divide crumble mixture in half and press half into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
• Spread date mixture over the base.
• Top with remaining crumb mixture, pressing it together in clumps in your hands and then breaking it into small pieces with your fingers to scatter evenly over the date filling.
• Press down lightly.
• Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees F.
• This is a very good basic recipe but I have also had very good variations of date crumbles over the years.
• Orange Date Crumbles: Substitute orange juice for the water in the filling and add the zest of a medium orange.
• Cocoa Date Crumbles: Add 4 tbsp cocoa to the filling.
• Hazelnut or Almond Date Crumbles: Prepare filling as usual. Add ½ cup ground Almonds or Hazelnuts plus 1 tsp cinnamon and ½ tsp nutmeg to the crumble.

MUM'S DATE COOKIES AND SQUARES

Steps:

• 1. Date Filling: Cook dates, water, orange rind and sugar in small saucepan (1 qt), over moderate heat until thick and smooth. Remove from heat, add juices mix well. Cool before spreading on cookie or oatmeal batter.
• 2. Date Cookies: Cream butter and lard, add sugar, mix until smooth, add vanilla and mix. Sift flour, baking powder and soda. Add to mixture alternately with milk. Add rolled oats a cup at a time, mix in. It will be stiff so you may want to use your hands to mix. Roll out on a floured surface, cut with 2-3" cookie cutter, place on greased cookie sheet and bake at 325°F for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool and spread with date filling. Sandwich with another cookie on top.
• 3. Date Squares: Sift flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Rub in butter with tips of fingers. Add sugar and oatmeal. Mix well with fingers until all oatmeal is covered. It should be like a crumble. Spread one half of mixture crumbs into a greased, shallow pan, pat down to make it smooth. Cover with cooled date filling, spreading it evenly, then cover with the remaining crumbs. Pat to make smooth. Bake at 325°F for 30 to 35 minutes. Cut while still warm and allow to cool in the pan.