Aunt Gen's (1)

For me, Christmastime is always filled with sweet memories of my big Italian Family. Back in the day on Christmas Eve my family and I, along with my Grandma and Grandpa, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins, would all gather at my Aunt Lucy’s home. The faces I loved gleamed around the long lace-covered table, as we enjoyed homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs…or “meat-a-balls” like my Sicilian Grandma and Grandpa would say! There would be lots of loud conversation and laughter which I’m sure looked like a whole lot of happy chaos if someone were to peek into the window!

I love old family recipes! These old-fashioned Italian date nut bars have been passed down in her family for generations. I love the story and the recipe. They look amazing!

(I’m the little girl standing to the right of my Grandpa, seated with my grandma, with the headband on. Aunt Gen is on the far left, in the black dress, standing with my Uncle Al. My Mama is on the right side, second lady to the left.)

After tummies were filled, us kids ran off into another room to play “Button, Button, Who’s Got the Button”, while my mom, my aunts and Grandma would tie their aprons on to clear the table, wash the dishes and turn the electric Coffee Percolator on. Once the kitchen was tidy and the coffee was fresh and hot, a huge tray of Italian cookies was carried to the table. Biscotti, Gemelli, Anisette, Pizzelles, Nut Meringues, just to name a few of the variety these delicious, Southern Italy confections.

aunt-gen

Aunt Genevieve (Gen) Cannizzaro is pictured above. Aunt Gen was famous for her baking and cooking. She made 100’s of Wedding Cakes including mine! She also opened her home to multiple foreign exchange students over the years. Such a loving and caring Mama.

As soon as my cousins and I realized the cookies had been set out we rushed to the table to grab a handful. I would search through the mountain of sweet treats to find my favorite…Aunt Gen’s Italian Date Nut Bars. Sweet, chewy with a bit of crunch. One bite and I was in Christmas heaven!

Cannizzaro Christmas

Our Christmas Eve tradition also included a skit about the Birth of Jesus presented by my cousins and I, wearing bathrobes and teatowels as costumes. Soon after, we all gathered around the piano as my mother played, to sing old time carols, Silent Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem and Jingle Bells. My Uncle Joe, who was the life of the party and a talented singer, would grace us with a solo of such as Ava Maria.

When it was time to say our goodbyes, with hugs and kisses, we stepped out into the dark, chilly night to get into our cars for the drive home. My little girl heart was filled to the brim with treasures of comfort and joy, as I sleepily reflected upon all the crazy fun with my cousins and the scenes of my loved ones around the table where we feasted upon God’s goodness. These are the memories that have lasted me a lifetime.

date bars

 Now, decades later as I bake a batch of Aunt Gen’s Italian Date Nut Bars it takes me right back to that cozy and fun-filled gathering of my beloved big Italian family on Christmas Eve.
It’s my pleasure to share with you this very old and special Italian recipe.

Aunt Gen's (1)

Aunt Gen’s Italian Date Nut Bars
  • 3 eggs
  • ⅛ teaspoon or a pinch of salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup minced dates
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla
  • Powdered Sugar to sprinkle after baking
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix all ingredients well. (I use my stand mixer).
  3. Pour into a buttered 9 x 13 glass pan and spread evenly with rubber spatula.
  4. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes
  5. Once cooled, cut into squares and sprinkle the top liberally with powdered sugar.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients well. (I use my standing mixer).

Pour into a buttered 9 x 13 glass pan and spread evenly with rubber spatula.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes

Once cooled, cut into squares and sprinkle the top liberally with powdered sugar.

datenutbaringredients

datenut bars

I love old family recipes! These old-fashioned Italian date nut bars have been passed down in her family for generations. I love the story and the recipe. They look amazing!

 Enjoy! Or Mangia! Mangia!  (Eat! Eat!) As my Grandma would say!

God bless you and Buon Natale! (Merry Christmas in Italian!)

~Ruthie

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