Date Squares (A.K.A. Matrimonial Cake)

Crumb base/topping:

1 ¼ cup flour

1 ¼ cup rolled oats

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup shortening (or butter)

1 tsp baking soda

1 pinch of salt

Work together like a pie crust - do not moisten.

Prepare date filling as follows:

Date filling:

1 package of dates - chopped (8 oz.)

½ cup sugar

1 cup water

Cook until thick.

Cool before spreading on mixture.

Grease pan and spread ⅔ of the mixture in the pan.

Spread with date filling

Top with remaining crumbs - patting into place.

Bake for 45 minutes at 350*. Enjoy!

Butter Tarts

Tart Filling:
1 C. Raisins, soaked in hot water to soften
1 Egg
1 C. Brown Sugar
1 Tbs. Butter

Mix together and spoon into tart shells, filling about half way full. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Tart Shell Pastry:
2 C. Butter Flavored Crisco
4 C. Flour
Mix together until mealy then add:
2/3 to 3/4 C. Ice Cold Water (start with less and add until pastry is the proper consistency).

Mix together into pastry. Form small balls and press individually into tart shells (can use mini or regular sized muffin tin for the tart shells).

Cherry Chocolate Bars

Batter:
1 pkg. Devils Food Cake Mix
1 tsp. Almond Extract
2 Eggs
1 can (large if you've got it) Cherry Pie Filling

Mix first three ingredients until well incorporated, then stir in the cherries until mixed well. Batter will be lumpy. Pour into well greased and floured 10 x 15 jelly roll pan or cookie sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Icing:
1 C. Sugar
1/2 C. Milk
5 Tbs. Butter
1 C. Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

In sauce pan combine first three ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly at a boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in the chocolate chips until smooth. Pour over bars and spread evenly. Enjoy every single bite!