Food for the Gods

I had a bad cough all week but fortunately seem to be almost fully recovered.  I've managed to entertain the past two nights and it has been fun, just a few friends each time.

 Food for the Gods, also known as a blonde brownie, I think these walnut date squares are very delicious.  My girlfriend brought some over a few weeks ago and I had to ask her for the recipe.  She told me I could google it, and I used this recipe with a bit less sugar. There was another similar, somewhat richer recipe which included molasses, honey and brandy, and I decided to add that special touch as well.

 I'm not known for finely mixing my ingredients, having more of a rustic (lazy) touch, lol.

Ingredients:

(makes 24 squares or one small loaf)

3/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 tbs honey (optional)
1 1/2 tbs molasses (optional)
3 tbs brandy or wine (optional)
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 cup pitted dates, chopped

Directions:

Combine butter, sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, eggs (and optional ingredients if desired).
Sift dry ingredients, toss in nuts and dates until well coated.
Fold into wet ingredients.

Bake 325ºF for 40-45 min in a 7 x 11 brownie pan lined with parchment paper. I actually just used a small loaf pan.