Buttery and chewy with crisp tops and edges, Food for the gods is a heavenly treat that is mostly served during the holidays. Filled with dates and walnuts, it is surely a decadent treat.
It is a few days before Christmas, my friends. I love baking to welcome the holiday spirit. Even though it will be a bit different this year, baking guarantees a feeling of warmth and joy this holiday season.
What are you baking this year? I just made a batch of Food for the gods today. I enjoyed every chewy bite with the occasional crunch from the walnuts and chew from the dates. It is a luxurious treat if you ask me, one that we deserve during these odd times of pandemic.
Food For the Gods
Food for the gods is characterized by its chewy interior with bits of chopped dates and walnuts for texture. The edges are baked crisp and golden while the middle remains soft and chewy.
In the Philippines, it is mostly enjoyed during the holidays, wrapped up in fancy tins or cellophane.
The dates (pitted) and walnuts are chopped in the size preferred by the baker. I like mine in littlest bits but you can make them into bigger chunks if you like.
Either way, you will love these decadent treats. Indulge, my friends. Merry Christmas! All my love for you all!
How to Make Food for the Gods?
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 7-inch square pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter with the sugars until thick and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this mixture to the mixing bowl and beat, starting on low speed then speeding up to medium-high, until the ingredients are incorporated. Fold in the walnuts and dates.
- Spread the batter (batter will be thick), into the prepared pan. Level the top with an offset spatula. Bake at 350 F for 30-35 minutes. The top should be golden. It is done when the edges are set but the center is soft. Let the baked good cool first before slicing into squares. The center will continue to set as it cools.
Storing food for the gods
- To store Food for the gods, keep them in a tightly covered container at room temperature.
- You can also wrap them up in food grade paper or boxes to give as gifts.
Food for the gods
Buttery and chewy with crisp tops and edges, Food for the gods is a heavenly, decadent treat that is mostly served during the holidays, but can be enjoyed anytime you want!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 and 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 7-inch square pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter with the sugars until thick and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this mixture to the mixing bowl and beat, starting on low speed then speeding up to medium-high, until the ingredients are incorporated. Fold in the walnuts and dates.
- Spread the batter (batter will be thick), into the prepared pan. Level the top with an offset spatula. Bake at 350 F for 30-35 minutes. The top should be golden. The edges are set but the center is soft. Let the baked good cool first before slicing into squares.
Notes
The cookies/bar is done when the edges are set. The middle may look a bit jiggly in the center but it will set as it cools.
Store cookies/ bars in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 207Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 145mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 1gSugar: 21gProtein: 3g
Can i substitute the dates for something else?
Hi David! You certainly can. Chocolate chips, other dried fruits etc.
I knew i had to make these immediately when I saw this recipe! They are so good!