Date Bar help!

Welcome CactusSue! I'm pretty sure the dates are the packages ones that are dry but still very soft

if that makes any sense. Some still have the pits in, so the reference is to use the pitted ones to save you time and effort. I wouldn't use the small diced date pieces that are found in bulk food bins---those might be too hard. I remember Hadley's dates in the California dessert. What a wonderful place! I think "fresh" dates are somewhat dried first. Anyone know for sure?

 
Most supermarkets now have the soft pitted dates (Sunsweet) in a bag in the fruit/veggie aisle.

 
California dates are some of the best in the world. They consistently outdo...

...the middle eastern imports for flavor, texture, freshness, etc.

Get what Ang said. Pitted, semi-soft California dates. That would be my choice.

Trader Joe's (if you have one) is a good source for excellent pitted dates.

PS: It's not hard to "pit" a soft date. The pit is hard and squeezes out quite easily -intact. Chop and go.

Michael

PSS: favorite snack of mine.

 
Thank you for your responses and help. I had assumed they were dried until..

I saw fresh dates (which looked HUGE and a bit scary) at Costco and a local specialty market here in Scottsdale. I reread these recipes and, embarrassingly enough, couldn't decipher which direction to go. I will hit up Trader Joe's and try some California dates.
Thanks again for your help.

 
Rec: And this is the best recipe ever for Date Bars

Classic Date Bars


This the the recipe from the old Dromedary Date Bar package and makes the best date bars ever.
Ingredients

* 8 ounces dates, chopped
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
* 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
* 1 1/2 cups flour
* 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
* 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup butter, melted
* 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped

Directions

1. Combine dates and water in saucepan; bring to boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring now and then, for 3 to 4 minutes or until thickened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, reserve.
4. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt in bowl;mix well.
5. Stir in butter.
6. Spread 2 1/2 cups of the oat mixture in bottom of 9 inch square baking pan; press gently to make firm crust.
7. Top with date filling.
8. Combine walnuts with remaining oat mixture; sprinkle over date filling, gently press into filling.
9. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack.
10. Cut into 36 squares.

 
my mom used make them and it's a great recipe. I may have to make them just for the memory smileys/smile.gif

 
Not green Randi--we occasionally find them on the vine at middle eastern grocery/bakeries. They...

haven't had time to wrinkle as yet, but are sweet and plump.

 
they sound like a rare treat. you know I'll never see them in this neck of the woods, but then ya

never know. thanks for the info smileys/smile.gif

 
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