Food for the Gods

My long time friend came to our house last week and brought a basket full of goodies and wine. She also brought homemade mango pudding and some food for the gods. Food for the Gods a.k.a. dates and walnut bars are well known treats among Filipinos. They are popular baked goods to give away during the holidays. It has been my favorite Christmas treat since I was a small girl growing up in the Philippines. My friend shared the recipe with me and I was able to make it over the weekend. I thought it would be nice to give these treats to my friends at work. I adjusted the recipe by reducing the amount of sugar and butter making it less sweet and less oily. They turned out perfect, not too sweet.  My family love them especially the crunchy edges.  Enjoy!

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Cooking Tips for Perfect Bars

When making food for the gods, the key to getting that perfect texture is all in the mixing. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together well before adding the other ingredients. This step incorporates air, which helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy. Avoid overmixing once you add the flour, as this can lead to a denser texture. Another tip is to line your baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it easier to lift the bars out once they are baked and cool. For an extra touch, consider toasting the walnuts before adding them to the mixture. This enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the final product. Also, keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. The edges should be golden brown while the center remains slightly soft, as they will firm up while cooling.

Storage Instructions and Variations

Once your food for the gods bars are baked and cooled, storing them properly is important for maintaining their freshness. Place the bars in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature. If you want to switch things up, there are plenty of variations to try. Substitute the walnuts with almonds or pecans for a different nutty flavor. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a chewy texture. For a chocolate twist, mix in some chocolate chips or swirl in some cocoa powder. These variations can add a personal touch and keep this treat exciting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for walnuts?

If you need a nut-free option, try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for that crunch. If you want to stick with nuts, pecans or almonds work really well too.

How do I store the bars?

Once cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Bake them a day or two before you plan to serve, and they’ll taste just as delicious.

What’s the best way to cut the bars?

To get neat, even pieces, let the bars cool completely before cutting. Using a sharp knife and wiping it clean between cuts can help prevent sticking.

What’s the ideal baking time?

Baking times can vary based on your oven, so start checking around the 25-minute mark. The bars should be golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Food for the Gods

Liza A

Indulge in these rich and chewy date and walnut bars that blend sweet and nutty flavors with a buttery texture. They’re simple to whip up and utterly irresistible!

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 32 bars

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup salted butter room temperature
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 1 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9X13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
• In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and baking soda.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and both sugars. Beat in eggs one at a time. Beat in vanilla.
• Add flour mixture and beat until well blended. Gently fold in chopped dates and nuts.
• Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool completely on rack and then slice into bars.
• Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15g

Keyword baked goods, cookies, dates, dessert, sweet treat

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