What’s in a name? And why Food for the Gods? It could be because in the Philippines, dates and walnuts (the main ingredients in this sweet) are expensive so anything made out of them is only fit for the gods. Another theory is, if myths could be believed, this little bars of goodness gives you longevity and super powers. And most importantly, these tastes heavenly. I don’t need any more reasons more than that!
These gorgeous bars usually make an appearance at Christmas and makes a wonderful edible gift. And while you’re here, check out my recipe for another Filipino Christmas sweet called Polvoron.
What you need to make Food for the Gods..
Aside from the dates and walnuts, everything is probably in your fridge and pantry.
- Fridge/Pantry – Plain Flour,Baking Soda,Baking Powder, Butter,Eggs, Caster and Brown Sugar and Vanilla
- Dates & Walnuts – I used pitted Medjool dates for their chewy texture.
- White or Milk Chocolate Buttons- Not traditional, and certainly optional but a lovely addition.
- Baking tray- You need a shallow 23 x 33 cm baking tray.
- Cellophane or tissue wrapping paper. You can find these at the $2 shops,newsagents or on line.Cut into squares to fit the squares of Food for the Gods.
Easy does it…
You don’t even need to bust out your mixer for this recipe as it can be mixed by hand.
- Combine the flour baking soda and baking powder in a large bowl. In another bowl, combine the chopped walnuts and dates. Add about 1/4 cup of the flour mixture to the walnuts and use your hands to mix,making sure to coat the nut and date pieces evenly with flour. This is to prevent the dates from sticking together in clumps.
- Combine melted butter, vanilla and sugars and mix together until sugars are dissolved. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to fold in the flours, then add the walnut date mix. Stir until just combined. Do not over mix.
- Place the batter into prepared pan and smooth top with the back of a spoon or offset spatula. Bake in a preheated oven for about 40 minutes, turning the pan at halfway mark. Let cool completely.
- Portion into squares or bars. Pile them on a serving platter or wrap individually in coloured cellophane or tissue. Store in airtight container.
Food for the Gods
30
servings20
minutes45
minutesIngredients
1 1/2 cups walnuts,coarsely chopped
2 cups plain flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
450g pitted dates,chopped
250g butter,melted and cooled
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 cup chocolate buttons(milk or white),optional
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup caster sugar
4 eggs
Directions
- Preheat oven to 160°C. Spray a baking tray 23x33cm with cooking oil and line with baking paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour,baking powder and baking soda. Place the chopped dates and chopped walnuts in a separate bowl. Add about 1/4 cup of the flour mixture to the dates and walnuts. Mix with your hand until well combined and making sure that the nuts are well coated and separated. Set aside the rest of the flour mix.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs vanilla and the sugars until well blended and the sugars are dissolved. Add eggs one at a time whisking well after each addition. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to fold in the rest of the flour until just blended. Then add the walnut date mixture, the chocolate (if using) and mix it through.
- Place the thick batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon or a spatula. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, turning the pan halfway in the 25 minute mark.
- Let cool in the pan, before slicing into portions. Store in an airtight container or wrap in coloured wrapping paper.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container or wrap in paper
