Whether it’s a picnic, backyard barbecue or camping trip, summer means plenty of outdoor dining. And that means desserts need to be outdoorsy as well.
The best sweets for enjoying outdoors are ones that require the fewest plates or utensils and involve little or no cleanup. Think cookies, brownies and bars.
These date and nut squares with an espresso drizzle can made ahead and packed in a lightweight plastic container for portability.
Instant espresso is used to flavor both the squares and the drizzle. Look for it with other instant coffees or consider using one of new higher quality instant coffees being sold in individual serving packets.
Date and nut squares with espresso drizzle
For the squares:
2teaspoons instant espresso or coffee
2teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4cup granulated sugar
2large eggs
1egg white
1/4teaspoon salt
2cups fine graham cracker crumbs
2/3cup chopped dates
1/2cup chopped pecans
For the glaze:
1/2teaspoon instant espresso or coffee
1tablespoon hot water
1/2cup powdered sugar, more if needed
Heat the oven to 300 degrees. Coat a 7-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the espresso (or coffee) powder and vanilla until the powder dissolves. Add the sugar, eggs, egg white and salt, then use an electric mixer on high to beat until thick and pale, about 2 minutes. With a rubber spatula, fold in the graham cracker crumbs, dates and pecans until just combined.
Scrape the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top feels dry and the bars feel set when pressed at the center.
Transfer the dish to a rack to cool completely.
To make the glaze, in a small bowl dissolve the espresso (or coffee) powder in the hot water. Whisk in enough powdered sugar to make a thick but pourable glaze. With a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the bars. Let stand until set, then cut into 15 squares.
Makes 15 squares. Per serving: 148 calories; 40 calories from fat; 5 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 24 mg cholesterol; 26 g carbohydrate; 2 g protein; 1 g fiber; 113 mg sodium.
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