Dutchcrumbsquares 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.

DUTCH ALMOND SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F.
• In a large mixer bowl, cream the butter slightly, then gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and beat for 2 minutes.
• Beat in the egg and egg yolk, stir in the flour and 3/4 tsp of salt by hand.
• Spread the mixture into an ungreased glass 13x9-inch baking pan, making a smooth layer.
• Bake the crust for 15 minutes, until it is set but not brown.
• In a food processor, mix together 1 cup of sugar, the almond paste, lemon juice, vanilla and the remaining 1/4 tsp salt; reserve.
• In a large mixer bowl, beat the egg whites till frothy, then sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar over the whites and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
• By hand, fold the almond paste mixture into the egg whites with a rubber spatula and spread over the baked crust.
• Sprinkle the almonds on top and bake the cookies for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
• Cool partially and cut the cookies while still warm into 48 narrow bars.
• These freeze well.