date & walnut bars

Popularly called "food for the Gods" in Manila, we often bake these chewy fruit and nut bars for potlucks, picnics and parties. They're just one of those basic snack bars that have become a favorite in our family. They are also very convenient to pack and carry especially when refrigeration may not be available and spoilage may be a big concern. Today was our kayak group's annual shrimp boil picnic and we were asked to bring either a side dish or a dessert. I thought about baking some creamy dessert but I decided to go safe with these bars and made a batch of butterscotch chips cookies as well. We already have a standard recipe for these date bars which we've always used, but for this batch, I tried a new recipe I got from a popular foodblog. I was searching for another version when I run into this one. They turned out really moist and dense, loaded with chopped dates and walnuts, like the way we've always preferred them. They were just right for today's fun gathering, on this very pleasant and perfect day for the outdoors.

DATE & WALNUT BARS

1 cup all purpose flour

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/8 tsp salt 1/2 cup melted butter (unsalted)

1 cup sugar (may use brown)

2 large eggs

2 cups chopped pitted dates

2 cups chopped walnuts

Sift together flour, baking powder & salt. Set aside. Whisk together butter & sugar. Add 2 eggs and mix well. Stir in dry ingredients & mix until just combined. Don't over mix. Stir in walnuts & dates. Spread into 9 x 9" square pan evenly. Bake @ 350 degrees for about 30 mins.