Well, this week’s dessert isn’t the prettiest of treats, but looks aren’t everything, right? At least that’s what they tell me.
This treat falls into the “but she’s got a great personality” category of the blind date set-up world.
Speaking of dates, that’s what we are baking up. Dark Chocolate Chunk Date Bars. I love dates, and am excited about this dessert, but they sometimes get a bad rap. Lots of turned up noses when I whip out a date instead of a cookie for a snack. But I’m slowly convincing the people around me how tasty and nutritious they can be.
Dates tend to be naturally sweet, and combining them with some dark chocolate chunks really balances out the flavor. Adding some pecans for crunch rounds out the texture and balances the sweetness this treat naturally provides.
Maybe if you’ve been looking for love in all the wrong places, these “date” bars can help you find your new one and only. I’m thinking you have a date-themed party.
Lots of dated-themed dishes (they are great savory or sweet) and have all your friends invite some fresh blood for you to show off your baking talent.
These bars are simple, so no need to worry about spending hours in the kitchen. Of course you can pretend you did — never hurts to make people think you spent a lot of time on them. I do it all the time.
I’m thinking maybe spin the bottle would be nice to add to the date night. Make sure you eat one of these tasty bars before you go in for the kiss, and your mouth will have a nice hint of sweetness to it.
Just here to help. Millionaire Matchmaker got nothing on me.
So go plan your date night, stock a little bubbly to help things along, and most importantly, give yourself permission to have a great time. Actually, most important, let me know how the date bars and the date night turn out. I’m very nosy, fill me in people!
Now, follow the directions, put some love into it and invite me over when it’s done.
Dark Chocolate Chunk Date Bars
1 1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups pitted and chopped dates
1 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup dark chocolate chunks
1 egg
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup milk
2 tsp. vanilla
Powdered sugar for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Coat a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt. Fold in dates, pecans and chocolate chunks. Set aside.
In a large bowl, stir together egg and brown sugar. Add in milk and vanilla. Mix well.
Add flour mixture to wet mixture. Stir slowly and gently until well-combined. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until top is golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Cool completely. Dust generously with powdered sugar. Cut into bars and enjoy!
You can watch the Dessert Diva every Monday at 8:35 a.m. on Channel 2. To contact Danette at the station, visit 2thedeuce.com, and click on Daybreak on the Deuce. To chat and/or send comments and suggestions, write to jdromega@aol.com.
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