I will never forget the first time I tasted date squares. I was still in public school. My best friend’s Mom was an excellent cook and baker. One day after-school she served us a treat that had me over the moon. A sweet square that looked a little crumbly around the edges . One bite and I was swooning over a rich, buttery, caramel enhanced oat crumb with an intensely exotic filling of dark, sweet dates. She called these magical morsels matrimonial squares. Even the name was wonderful. Matrimonial squares. Were these a special creation for weddings? Or did they bring about marriage?
Date squares (matrimonial squares) were my first introduction to baking squares. None of my cookbooks had a section for “squares”. My cookbooks were published in the thirties and early forties and were all that was available. I had started baking around l945. I asked for the recipe and these many years later I am still baking Mrs. Rybka’s Matrimonial Squares.
This old fashion square is a treat any time of day. Date Squares are perfect with morning coffee (think of all those healthy rolled oats). A sublime dessert lavished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They are calling you name from MRS.BUTTERFINGERS kitchen.
Bel' Occhio 