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It’s called “Food for the Gods” because it’s sheer “heaven in a cookie bar”. This cookie bar is rich with butter, 2 sugars, eggs, honey, molasses, dates, raisins, walnuts – all these more than the actual amount of flour! It is decadence in every square inch. It’s the best of my best recipes. And for the holidays, the best foodies deserved only the best, the most deliriously delish cookie goodie.
I made three dozen of these divine Food for the Gods for “The Great Food Bloggers cookie swap” last week. I also made another dozen to bring to the NYC Cookie Swap the week before last, to benefit Cookies for Kids Cancer. AND I made a couple of dozen more Food for the Gods to mail out to friends, family and give out to neighbors.
Do I really know that many “gods” in my life? No, but when holidays come around, everybody on my list is treated like a god. And so I get busy in the kitchen to share what I love to do best: Food for the Gods.
“Food for the Gods” travel well and have a longer shelf life than most cookies. That’s why when food bloggers Julie and Lindsay announced The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap, I knew I just had to bake Food for the Gods. Thanks to these two awesome food bloggers, for putting together the GFB Cookie Swap and perpetuating the spirit of sharing during the holidays. According to their emails, a quick math revealed that some 600 food bloggers signed up, and over 22,000 cookies were sent around the foodie world as part of this swap.
For the uninitiated, a cookie swap concept is simple. You give a cookie, you get back a cookie. But it goes beyond that. You share what you love to bake best. And in return, the blessings are a thousandfold. You make friends. You get to exchange recipes. You share happiness that goes around the world and back. What better way to celebrate the holidays?
Here’s my recipe for this ultimate decadence in a cookie bar : FOOD FOR THE GODS. A warning tip from my sister, who formulated this recipe for me, we ‘re lesser mortals, so go easy and only have ONE bar a day…
FOOD FOR THE GODS : Decadent Dates, Nuts, Raisins Cookie Bar
*Adapted from a recipe by Isabel Besa Morales,RD
(Makes 12-14)
1 and ½ cup all purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened, room temperature
¾ cup dark brown sugar
¾ cup white sugar
3 large eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup molasses
2 Tablespoons honey
1 cup walnuts, unsalted, chopped
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped dates, pitted
- Cream butter and both sugars.
- Add eggs one at a time. Add molasses, honey and vanilla.
- Add flour and other dry ingredients. Blend well. Add by hand the walnuts, raisins, dates. Mix well.
- Pour batter into a greased brownie pan that’s lined with parchment paper. Bake at preheated oven 350 F degrees for about 35-38 minutes . Test for doneness by sticking a knife in the center of pan. If knife comes clean, then bars are cooked.
- When done, cool on counter for a few minutes. Then slice in 2-inch bars. Cover with plastic wrap or airtight containers to keep moist till ready to eat.
COOK’S COMMENTS: You can substitute other types of unsalted, chopped nuts if desired. If dates are not available, substitute with more raisins.
COOKIE SWAP NOTES: Check out The Great Food Bloggers Cookie Swap, an event created by Lindsay @loveandolive oil and Julie @thelittlekitchn, for tips on packing, shipping cookies. Or if you want to sign up for next year’s swap, it’s never too early to do that, too!
MANY THANKS for the fabulous 3 dozen cookie treats I received in the mail from these generous food bloggers. Go see what they’ve been baking , too!
Elisha at www.delish-lishie.blogspot.com
Becca at www.itsyummilicious.wordpress.com
Sarah at www.Mycleverendeavors.wordpress.com
….. dates in a cookie?! I never thought about it before but oh my gosh that sounds divine!
Thanks,Heather. These bars are divine indeed! Glad you stopped by.
Three of my favourite ingredients! These look so wonderful and chewy and I love your little presentation boxes.
Thanks,Paula. These are a favorite during the holidays here at home! Glad you stopped by.
this is a childhood holiday favorite. I used to find green and red cellophanes in my pocket haha as I tried to sneak out bars of these decadent treats..oh my this post reminded me how I cann’t stop from eating one piece after the other…
.i.m glad you got to participate in this bloggers event, hoping I could join next year.
Yes, Malou. I also remember those red and green cellophane FFG’s! Always a fave, esp. during the holidays. You should join the #fbcookieswap next year. Glad you stopped by!
I was thinking of what to give to my friends this holiday and this is a great idea. You are right this is food for the Gods. =)
Thanks, Raquel. These FFG’s are awesome. You must try them!
I love these!! And they always feel so Christmassy to me
Those lucky recipients of your goodie bags!
Thanks Joey! Yes, FFG’s are a sign that Christmas is truly here. Glad you stopped by.
So lucky if someone gets these yummy cookies as cookie swap. I’ve never joined cookie swap before (ahem, I have to make cookies right? Haha) but it sure sounds fun! I love cookies but don’t make it at home enough. I’ve been eating this famous chef’s bread every morning that has dates, raisins, and walnuts and I was thinking it’s such a great combination. Now I see a cookie bar with the same ingredients. Must be so good…. drool~
Thanks, Nami. Yes, these are so good, thus are called “Food for the Gods”. Have you ever baked the Pineapple Tarts or Peanut Cookies ? I see them a lot during the Chinese Lunar New Year. Glad you stopped by.
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