Chinese Chews
Stirring it up!
These bars are quick and easy to make, perfect when you need a little something to go along with an afternoon cuppa. Dates add a special sweetness and walnuts give a nice crunch to each bite. This recipe does not call for any butter or shortening.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 c. all purpose flour  (80g)
- 1 t. baking powder  (5ml)
- 1/4 t. salt  (a good dash)
- 3/4 c. sugar, white  (150g)
- 1 c. dates, Â pitted and chopped (100g)
- 1 c. walnuts, chopped  (150g)
- 2 eggs, well-beaten  (2 eggs!)
- 1/2 t. vanilla  (2-3 ml)
- confectioners sugar
Stir the flour, baking powder and salt together.
Add sugar, dates and nuts, then stir in the eggs and vanilla.
Spread about 1/2″ (15mm) thick in a well greased or parchment lined 9″ x 9″ Â (25cm x25cm)square pan.
Bake at 325°F  (160°C)  for 25 to 30 minutes.
Cut into small squares while still warm and dust with confectioners sugar.
Dishing it out:
Apparently this recipe was first published in Good Housekeeping magazine in 1917 but by all accounts, why the name Chinese Chews, remains a mystery. While this recipe may not be the same as the early version, my mom made these from a recipe in her trusty Five Roses Flour cookbook, Â A Guide to Good Cooking. My copy of the same cookbook is filled with annotated recipes on well worn pages, several of which are held in the book with tape. Â The recipe actually called for the squares, once cool enough to handle, to be rolled into balls then dusted with sugar. I never remember having them rolled but no matter the shape, the taste is great and they are chewy! One drawback though, they are so good they won’t last long!