No-Bake Date Nut Loaf (Candy)

A classic, no-bake confection, this Date Loaf is a sweet candy roll made by cooking a sugar and milk syrup to the soft-ball stage, then mixing in chopped dates and nuts.

Author

Unknown

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Recipe

Measurements	Ingredients
2 cups	Sugar
1 cup	Milk
2 Tbsp	Butter
1 1/2 cups	Chopped Dates
1 cup	Chopped Nuts

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Prepare a damp, clean kitchen towel or a sheet of wax paper on your counter.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, milk, and butter.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and continue to boil slowly, stirring occasionally, until the syrup reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer (the “semi-firm ball” stage).
5. Remove the pan from the heat.
6. Immediately add the chopped dates and nuts. Stir vigorously until the mixture begins to thicken and lose its glossy sheen.
7. Pour the mixture onto the prepared damp cloth or wax paper.
8. As it cools enough to handle, use the cloth or paper to help shape the mixture into two rolls, each about 1 ½ inches in diameter.
9. Wrap the rolls tightly and chill in the refrigerator until firm (at least 2-3 hours).
10. Once firm, slice the rolls into rounds to serve.

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Warning

Boiling sugar is extremely hot and can cause severe burns. Use a large pot to prevent boilovers and be very careful when handling the final candy mixture.

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