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Blocks of chopped dates?

5 years ago

For the last 7 or 8 years, I have kept my Dad supplied with date squares (or matrimony squares to some.) The assisted living residence he lived in started breakfast at 8 and since Dad was always up by 5, he'd have a date square and a cup of coffee to tide him over.

I'd ask now and again, if he'd like me to make something else for a change and he'd always reply, "nope, I need my date squares." Okay.

He has now moved to a long-term care home and is showing a rapid decline mentally. I asked him, once he was settled, if he'd like some date squares and to my surprise, he said he would like some Date Jumbles, a cookie his mother used to make with dates and walnuts.

Suddenly there are no blocks of chopped dates in any of the stores around here. (southwest coast of B.C.) Just bags of whole dates. The blocks were so convenient and were even marked off in cup amounts, like butter.

Chopping whole dates is quite a workout! Do you have blocks of chopped dates in your stores?

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Comments (5)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
5 years ago
I have never seen a 'block' of chopped dates. But bagged chopped dates are widely available here. Dole, Sunsweet and Sun Maid are all common labels and many groceries carry their own brands........WalMart, Safeway, Kroegers.

Nuts.com also carries them.
nekotish thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
plllog
5 years ago
Same. We have bags. I’ve seen blocks in other countries, but not with the measure markings., Chopping dates for baking isn’t bad. Whole are a little more effort. It's easiest to oil your hands and remove the seeds and ends art once. Once prepped, sprinkle a little Wondra or regular flour on them, and have a wet cloth. Chop with a big knife, reflouring and wiping the blade as needed. Messy but not hard. I hope your dad likes the cookies!
nekotish thanked plllog
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Fun2BHere
5 years ago
I've never seen a block of chopped dates either. How easy that would be to use in recipes. Sometimes, my stores have the bagged dried chopped dates and sometimes they don't. If they don't, I just default to fresh dates and chop them myself.
nekotish thanked Fun2BHere
nekotish
Original Author
5 years ago
It is so interesting to me how so many things are regional or national. This is what I was referring to.
Lars
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I frequently go to Shields Date Garden in Indio (their restaurant is very good), and they definitely do not sell blocks of dates, but they have a wide variety of fresh dates. They also sell date crystals, which is what they use to make date shakes.
nekotish thanked Lars

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