I got this recipe from my mother, who I assume got it from her mother. I have NO idea why it's called Matrimony Cake. It's not like any wedding cake I've ever had. In fact, it's a variety of what is normally called date squares or date bars. Is it named for the institution of marriage? It has oats -- because hopefully all the wild oats have been sown and from now on there will only be domestic ones. It has dates -- lots and lots of dates, of which a happy marriage should have many. Sugar -- well, yeah. Cinammon and salt for spice. Okay, so I'm getting carried away and should stop, but if anyone knows the real reason for its name, please tell me!
Crust:
1/2 cup butter
1.5 cups rolled oats
1 cup flour (I use whole wheat pastry flour)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon soda
Mix together to a crumbly texture and spread half the mixture on the bottom of the pan. My recipe doesn't specify the pan size. I seem to remember my mother using a rectangular pan, but I used an 8"x8" pan and it worked fine.
Filling:
1 pound dates, pitted and chopped. I suggest using those very sweet lovely dark Mediterranean dates.The lighter-brown California dates just aren't as good, in my opinion.
1 cup water
Salt. The recipe doesn't specify; I used 1/2 teaspoon
Cinnamon. Again, the recipe doesn't specify. I used 1 teaspoon.
Cook filling until soft and spread over the bottom crust. Then spread the rest of the crumble on top.
Bake for 1/2 hour at 350 degrees. Cut into squares. They're great hot with ice cream or cold just by themselves.
These look absolutely fabulous. Thanks for posting the recipe.
Barbara how wonderful, I found your recipe before I set off to the store so I can gather the needed ingredients! Thanks for sharing, this sounds like a great breakfast treat.
I love dates. I am ready to eat it anytime, but don't count on me to bake. That's one task I always flunk.
I've been feasting on these things for two days now. I've decided to freeze the rest. Haven't tried that with these before, but it works well with other squares I've made.
I wish you all were here to share them with me!
Yum! Looks delicious and I like your descriptions! Thanks!
Interesting post, Barbara, and great recipe. I must try it, although I'm already married and have been for 35 years.
You make something I wouldn't ordinarily eat sound delicious. I'll try it. Thanks for the recipe.