Marion, our community cook, left the kitchen team to continue using her creativity to introduce local food in short circuits in the Bas du Fleuve.
Before leaving, one of her last projects was to update the dessert offering for our Meals-on-Wheels clients who have sugar restrictions.
Discover a recipe from Diabète Québec which is now part of the regular dessert rotation.
Dates and Cocoa Squares
A quick and easy chocolaty square that is easy on sugar
Ingredients
Ingredients;
- ½ cup dates pitted and chopped
- ½ cup water
- ¾ cup wholewheat flour
- ½ cup powdered cocoa
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup canned Romano beans or white beans
- 2 egg whites
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup white sugar
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: Add ¼ cup of walnutsalmonds or hazelnuts to give more texture to the squares. Note that this will have an impact on the nutritional value.
Instructions
Preparation:
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Preheat oven at 350°F. Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9”x12”) baking pan.
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In a small saucepan, bring the dates and water to a boil then cook for 5 minutes over low heat, until a smooth puree is obtained. Set aside.
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In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder and salt. Mix well with a whisk. Set aside.
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Rinse well and drain the beans. Puree and transfer to a bowl. Add the date puree, eggs, egg whites, sugar, oil and vanilla. Beat with a whisk or electric mixer until well combined.
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Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gradually fold the dry ingredients into the date mixture. Be careful not to mix too much for a more pleasant final texture.
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Pour mixture into well-oiled pan and bake in the center of the oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool to room temperature before cutting into 16 equal portions.
We wish Marion the best of luck in her new culinary challenges, and if you pass by Rimouski, stop and say hi to her!