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Date-nut bars for dessert on the go. Or the trail
JIM ROMANOFF
Published: Yesterday
A date and nut square with espresso drizzle is seen in this May 2, 2010 photo. Whether camping, picnicking or just on the go date and nut squares with espresso drizzle can travel with you in style. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)
The best sweets for going au natural are ones that require the fewest plates or utensils and involve little or no cleanup. Think cookies, brownies and bars.
These date and nut squares with an espresso drizzle can made ahead and packed in a lightweight plastic container for portability.
Instant espresso is used to flavor both the squares and the drizzle. Look for it with other instant coffees or consider using one of new higher quality instant coffees being sold in individual serving packets.
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DATE AND NUT SQUARES WITH ESPRESSO DRIZZLE
Start to finish: 50 minutes (15 minutes active)
Servings: 15
For the squares:
2 teaspoons instant espresso or coffee
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 egg white
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups fine graham cracker crumbs
2/3 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the glaze:
1/2 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee
1 tablespoon hot water
1/2 cup powdered sugar, more if needed
Heat the oven to 300 F. Coat a 7-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the espresso (or coffee) powder and vanilla until the powder dissolves. Add the sugar, eggs, egg white and salt, then use an electric mixer on high to beat until thick and pale, about 2 minutes. With a rubber spatula, fold in the graham cracker crumbs, dates and pecans until just combined.
Scrape the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top feels dry and the bars feel set when pressed at the center.
Transfer the dish to a rack to cool completely.
To make the glaze, in a small bowl dissolve the espresso (or coffee) powder in the hot water. Whisk in enough powdered sugar to make a thick but pourable glaze. With a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the bars. Let stand until set, then cut into 15 squares.
Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 148 calories; 40 calories from fat; 5 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 24 mg cholesterol; 26 g carbohydrate; 2 g protein; 1 g fiber; 113 mg sodium.
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