date nut rolls

Date rolls are a holiday treat. Date desserts were popular in the 1900s, and I remember my grandmother making them. I think they held a certain panache at the time. As dates are not a bottom barrel price item, I think I can understand how this was. Things haven't changed much. They can be made any time of year.

• 3 C sugar

• 2 tbsp corn syrup

• 1 lb dates

• 1 C milk

• 1 lb walnuts

• 1 lb butter

• cloth

1. Combine the sugar, syrup, and milk in a pot.

2. Cook the sugar mixture over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar mixture forms a soft ball when placed in cold water.

3. Add the dates to the mixture and continue cooking until again the sugar mixture forms a soft ball when placed in cold water. Remove the mixture from the heat.

4. If the walnuts are not already crushed, crush them.

5. Add the butter and walnuts to the mixture. Beat the ingredients until they are well and totally mixed. The mixture is done when it begins to sugar, or is granulating. The mixture must be thoroughly beaten.

6. Dampen the cloth.

7. Place the mixture on the cloth. Spread the mixture out, and then roll it into one large roll.

8. Put the date nut roll in a container and put it in the refrigerator to harden for 24 hours. After the candy has hardened it is ready to serve.

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