Song of the Week ~ 10/27/00 " That's How a Heartache Begins "
Recipe of the Week ~ Mix Some Flour w/ Dates " Sweet 'N Low Date Coffee Cake

I met my date farmer great-grandmother for the very first time in 1957, around the same time Patsy Cline was beginning to make a name for herself. I think Grandma Louisa would have been happy that I've decided to present a date recipe, and as the consummate dieter, I just know Patsy would have adored this tasty low-calorie snack! This sugar-free cake recipe from Sweet 'N Low® is perfect for those who cannot have sugar or who want to watch their weight. All you have to do is mix some flour you bought with the dates ... -- okay, not quite, but the play on words works better this way!

Sweet 'n Low Date Coffee Cake
(Makes 16 servings; 150 calories per serving.)
Cake:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup fat-free milk
  • 1/3 cup margarine, melted
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons Sweet 'N Low®
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup pitted, chopped dates
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Topping:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon margarine, softened
1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed to measure
1/4 teaspoon Sweet 'N Low®

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 9-inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. In large bowl, mix all cake ingredients except dates and walnuts. Stir in dates and walnuts. Spoon into pan.

Prepare topping: In bowl with fork, mix all topping ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over batter in pan. Bake 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
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