Educating Risa

Or, as she calls them, Matrimonial Cake. When we visited Winnipeg last fall she made a batch of these, and they were HUGELY popular with both boys. Date squares are one of Gareth’s favourite foods, but even Daegan declared these, “The best date squares ever!” Wendy sent me the recipe in her Christmas card, and the boys and I made a batch of them this afternoon. Mmmmmm! They smelled so good while baking! We then went for a walk around the block while they cooled—Gareth actually rode his tricycle. In January. In Calgary! It’s been so mild. Anyhow, the trip around the block was my idea as I was getting rather tired of telling the boys not to touch the hot baking dish. They each wolfed down 2 large warm pieces warm when we got home:

Warm date squares are even crumblier than usual. Didn’t slow the boys down, though.

This is what now remains of the squares:

Here’s the recipe. Don’t leave out the grated apple!

Aunt Wendy’s Date Squares / Matrimonial Cake

Filling:

1 package pitted dates (ours was 375g; about 13 ounces)

1 peeled and grated apple

splash of lemon or orange juice

about 1 cup water (more may be needed)

Combine all in a pot and boil, then simmer til cooked, thick and soft. Keep stirring fairly often so it doesn’t burn. Add extra water as needed. Set aside.

Crust and Topping:

1 1/4 cups rolled oats

1 cup flour (we used 3/4 c white and 1/4 c whole wheat)

1/2 cup brown sugar

pinch of salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup margarine or butter

Combine dry, then cut in margarine/butter until crumbly (using pastry cutter, forks, or your hands). Place about 2/3 of the crumb mix on bottom of a greased 9×9 pan (we used an 8×11 pan). Spread date mixture on top, then sprinkle rest of crumb mixture over. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes. Wail until cool (or not!) then slice and enjoy!