Della's Date Nut Delights

Della Bondrov Berman (Grandma - my mom's mom) lived to be 104. She saw the world change quite a bit. One thing that never changed, however, was how talented she was in the kitchen. From her expansive repertoire of recipes comes this heavenly gift...Della's Date Nut Delights.

I have modified Grandma's recipe. They didn't have PAM when Grandma was around and I use Splenda in place of granulated processed sugar.
I also use whole wheat flour in place of white. This is to satisfy my need to eat healthier. I've given you both options. Either way you make them, one thing is for sure, they are outrageously delicious and I'll bet on the fact that you'll write to me after you've tasted them, to thank me.

This is a simple recipe that tastes like it must have been complicated. You can cut them in squares, bars, or use a small round cookie cutter if you prefer discs. These are perfect for holiday assortments and gifts.

Ingredients...

• 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour (OR white flour, or a combination)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup margarine (OR butter)
• 1 cup Splenda Sugar Substitute (OR granulated white sugar )
• 1/2 cup Splenda Brown Sugar Blend (OR 1 cup packed brown sugar)
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/4 cup pitted chopped dates
• 1 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Here's how you do it...

1. Line a 9" x 13" baking pan with parchment. I allow for a couple of extra inches of parchment so a tail sticks out making it easy to slide the cake out of the pan and onto the cooling rack.
2. Grease the pan lined with parchment using cooking spray. (yes, I spray directly on the paper)
3. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F
4. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt...set aside. If you are chopping the dates yourself, sprinkle some of the flour mixture on the chopped dates, right on the cutting board, and toss until they are coated.
5. Cream together the margarine (or butter) and both Splendas ( OR White and Brown Sugars) until smooth, fluffy, and pale.
6. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
7. Scrape the bowl and beat another 10 seconds, then
8. Beat in the flour mixture gradually.
9. Stir in (by hand) the chopped dates and walnuts.
10. Pour the batter to the lined and greased pan.
11. Place the pan in the center of your oven and now reduce the heat to 300F.
12. Bake for 40-50 minutes.
13. Cook on a rack before attempting to remove it from the pan.
14. Cut into desired shapes.
15. Store in an airtight container.

Be Creative...

• Reduce the dates to 3/4 cup and add 1/2 cup white raisins.
• Use your favorite nut.
• You can replace 1/2 the margarine with unsweetened apple sauce.