Opus DateCake

I met some folks from Opus Dei at a friends. It was a lovely time. Nice ladies, interesting ideas. I'm definitely not headed for sainthood anytime soon, but I do like the idea of creating sanctity in EVERYTHING one does, which in spite of their nefarious reputation, seems to be their central tenant.

The lovely and sweet Mrs. Joy who is leaps and bounds ahead of just about anyone I know in the sanctification sweepstakes made these lovely and sweet date cake bars and is kindly sharing the recipe with me. So I'm sharing it with you.

1 cup chopped dates
3/4 cup chopped pitted prunes
1/2 cup dark raisins
1 1/4 cups water
8 Tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Combine dates, prunes, raisins and water in medium saucepan; heat to boiling. Reduce heat & simmer, uncovered, until fruit is tender & water is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat & add butter, stirring until melted, cool.
Mix eggs & vanilla into fruit mixture.
In mixing bowl add flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon & nutmeg; combine w/fruit mixture. Spread batter evenly in greased baking dish, 11 x 7 x 2 (or a 8 x 8 works fine too); sprinkle w/walnuts. Bake 30-35 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Cool on wire rack; cut into squares.

Bake them, eat them and throw in a prayer for your immortal soul.