Sugared Date Squares

 
I don't think anyone can ever call me an expert at presentation.  Sometimes I get it right and sometimes I get it wrong.  Somethings are just difficult to present attractively no matter what.
 
These delicious date squares are just such a thing. I don't think there is a really attractive way I could show them to you where I could  actually convey accurately just how very delicious they are! 
 
They are wonderful delectable little bites of Christmas happiness that I only make once a year., and when I taste how good that they are, I am glad that I only make them once a year because I could surely inhale the whole lot were I not intending to give most of them away.
  
Yes, they are that dangerously delicious!
 
Sweet and buttery and crunchy  . . .  in short very moreish.
 
There is no baking required. You simply melt a few things together in a saucepan on top of the stove  . . .
 
Chopped dates, butter, brown sugar   . . . .  vanilla  . . .
 
Once you have done that all you need to do is to stir in some crisp rice cereal and chopped toasted nuts.  I like to use walnuts, but you can use whatever nut floats your boat.  Just make sure that they are toasted and that they are chopped to a size that is compatible with the rice cereal.
 
Once you have done that you press the mixture into a square pan that you have lined with buttered foil.
 
I use foil because it is easier to lift the squares out of the pan after they have chilled and the foil peels off of them lickety split.
 
You want to chill them in the refrigerator until they are really well set.
 
Once set you take them out, cut them into 1 inch squares and then roll them in icing sugar to coat . . .
  
I don't know whether to call this a cookie or a candy . . .  they lie somewhere in between both.  They are  so easy to make.  It just wouldn't be Christmas without a few of these on the cookie trays!
Yield: 5 to 6 dozen
Author: Marie RaynerPrint
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Sugared Date Squares

Sweet little crunchy bites of deliciousness.  I only make these once a year.  They are no bake and a great last minute sweet to make and share for the holidays.

ingredients:

• 150g soft light brown sugar (3/4 cup)
• 180g salted butter (3/4 cup)
• 225g chopped dates (8 oz package)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 75g crisp rice cereal (3 cups)
• 115g chopped toasted walnuts (1 cup)
• 130g sifted icing sugar (1 cup)

instructions:

How to cook Sugared Date Squares

1. Line an 8 inch square baking tin  with some aluminum foil and butter the foil really well. Set aside.
2. Measure the butter, brown sugar and dates into a saucepan.  Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat.  When the mixture is melted, smooth and thoroughly combined, remove from the heat.  Stir in the vanilla.  Stir in the chopped nuts and cereal, combining well.  Spoon into the buttered baking tin, pressing down to compact.  Place in the refrigerator to chill completely.
3. Once it is cold and set, dump out of the pan.  Peel off the foil and cut into 1-inch squares.  Roll the squares in the icing sugar to coat.  Store in an airtight container.

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I know the time is getting short before the big day, but this amazing little bit sized treat is so quick and easy I thought I would share it with you!  If you make them, I guarantee you won't regret it!
Now all I have to make is my mom's Feather Squares and a Ginger Cake Roulade.   I love being busy.  I miss the days that I had all my chicks around me and gathered beneath my wings.  Pity we never realize how quickly the years are going to pass until they have already passed!