Cherry Date Squares - Captivating Cookery by Jane Ashley - The Canada Starch Company Limited (CASCO - Ingredion Canada Corporation)

Cherry Date Squares: A Vintage Treat with Timeless Appeal '"
Ciao, my dear food lovers!
Today, we’re stepping back in time to explore a recipe that’s as charming as it is delicious - Cherry Date Squares.
This delightful treat comes to us from Captivating Cookery by Jane Ashley, a collection of recipes sponsored by The Canada Starch Company Limited. With its buttery base, sweet and nutty filling, and tender crumb, this recipe is a perfect example of mid-20th-century baking at its finest. Let’s dive into the details of this vintage gem, its history, and the story behind its creation. 🕰️✨
Cherry Date Squares
For the Base:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons icing sugar
- ¼ cup BENSON’S or CANADA Corn Starch
- ½ cup butter or margarine
For the Filling:
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- ½ cup glacé cherries, halved
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped dates
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon BENSON’S or CANADA Corn Starch
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
How to Make It:
1. Start by sifting together the flour, icing sugar, and corn starch in a bowl.
2. Cut in or rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press this mixture into the bottom of an 8-inch square pan.
4. Bake in a slow oven (300°F) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
5. While the base bakes, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the slightly beaten eggs, halved glacé cherries, brown sugar, chopped dates, chopped walnuts, corn starch, and almond extract. Mix well.
6. Once the base is lightly browned, remove it from the oven and spread the filling evenly over the top.
7. Return the pan to the oven and bake at 325°F for 35 minutes.
8. Allow the squares to cool completely before cutting into 25 squares.
The Story Behind the Recipe 🕰️'
This recipe comes from Captivating Cookery by Jane Ashley, a cookbook sponsored by The Canada Starch Company Limited. Published in the mid-20th century, this collection of recipes was designed to showcase the versatility of corn starch in baking and cooking.
The Cherry Date Squares are a perfect example of the kind of sweet, nutty treats that were popular during this era, when home cooks were celebrated for their ability to create delicious desserts with simple, accessible ingredients. 🍰✨
The use of glacé cherries and dates reflects the popularity of dried and preserved fruits in mid-century baking. These ingredients were not only affordable and shelf-stable but also added a touch of sweetness and texture to baked goods. The addition of walnuts and almond extract brings a delightful nuttiness and depth of flavor, making these squares a true crowd-pleaser. '🌰
The Canada Starch Company and Its Culinary Legacy 🍁✨
The Canada Starch Company, later known as CASCO, was a major producer of corn starch and other food products in Canada. During the mid-20th century, the company played a significant role in promoting the use of corn starch in home cooking, sponsoring cookbooks and recipe contests to inspire home cooks. Captivating Cookery by Jane Ashley was one such publication, offering a collection of recipes that highlighted the versatility and convenience of corn starch. 🌽"-
Corn starch, a key ingredient in this recipe, is used to thicken the filling and create a tender, crumbly base. Its inclusion in the recipe reflects the company’s efforts to encourage home cooks to incorporate corn starch into their baking, showcasing its ability to improve texture and consistency. 🍰✨
Why These Ingredients Work Together '🌰
1. Flour and Corn Starch: These form the base of the recipe, creating a tender, crumbly texture that’s perfect for squares.
2. Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the base, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
3. Glacé Cherries: These sweet, chewy cherries add a pop of color and a burst of fruity flavor.
4. Dates: Bring a natural sweetness and a soft, chewy texture to the filling.
5. Walnuts: Add a delightful crunch and a nutty depth of flavor.
6. Almond Extract: Enhances the nuttiness of the walnuts and adds a subtle floral note.
7. Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that ties all the flavors together.
The Magic of Cherry Date Squares '✨
What makes this recipe so special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The buttery, crumbly base provides a sturdy foundation for the sweet, chewy filling, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch. The glacé cherries and almond extract bring a touch of elegance, making these squares feel like a special treat, even though they’re made with simple, everyday ingredients. It’s a recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious, perfect for everything from afternoon tea to holiday dessert trays. 🍰✨
Why You’ll Love This Recipe '❤️
These Cherry Date Squares are more than just a recipe - they’re a piece of culinary history. They’re a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of mid-20th-century home cooks, who knew how to turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon, these squares are sure to bring a smile to your face. Plus, they’re a great way to use up pantry staples like dates, cherries, and walnuts, making them a budget-friendly choice for any occasion. '✨
Buon appetito! '🍰✨
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