An undisputed dairy market leader across several categories, Natrel is continuing to innovate with the launch of Canada's first lactose-free butter in addition to an organic butter. This is an absolute must for anyone who loves authentic taste as nothing beats the flavour of real butter. I'm sorry margarine, I'm looking at you.
With a passion for authenticity, this is exactly why Natrel is launching two new butters which are both available in a 250g format aimed to please lactose-intolerant consumers as well as the ever-growing organic food category. That friend or family member that you know who is 1 of 7 million lactose intolerant Canadians can now find satisfaction that there is no need anymore to avoid their favourite baked desserts, or that buttery casserole on the dinner table that everyone else was able to enjoy except them.
To discover the joys of cooking with Natrel's new organic and lactose-free butters, we are going to share a delicious dessert the whole family can enjoy and make together. These Date Squares perfectly showcase the creamy texture and rich taste of Natrel's newest butter with a delicious filling enclosed by light, golden layers.
Date Squares
Serves: 16 Squares
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the date filling
4 cups pitted dried dates
1 cup (250 ml) water
1 tsp (5ml) vanilla
For the crust and crumble
1 1/8 cups cold Natrel Organic or Lactose-Free Butter, cubed
2 1/2 cup oats
1 cup light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions
To prepare the date filling
1) In a medium saucepan, heat the dates and water on low to slowly soften the dates.
2) Cook the mixture for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every so often. The dates will absorb all the water and form a chunky, soft paste. Let cool.
3) Transfer the date paste to a food processor. Add the vanilla and then process the mixture into a smooth paste. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
To prepare the crust and crumble
4) Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Butter a 9" x 9" brownie pan and then line the bottom with a square of parchment paper. Set aside.
5) In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the oats, light brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Drop in the cold butter and pulse to form a crumble.
6) Take two-thirds of the mixture (roughly 1/3 lb or 600 grams) and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan with your hands or a flat-bottomed glass baking dish to create a very firm base.
7) Smooth the date filling over top, from edge to edge. Evenly sprinkle the last third of the crumble mixture on top of the date filling. Press it gently into the date layer.
8) Bake the date squares for about 40 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Let the squares cool completely in the pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and chill overnight in the refrigerator. Once thoroughly chilled, cut into 16 squares to serve.
