Recipe(tried): Ukrainian Almond Date Bars (Horikhivnyk)

UKRAINIAN ALMOND DATE HORIKHIVNYK
(ALMOND DATE BARS)

Ukrainian have traditional pastries for special holy days. Among the Easter delicacies are various fruit nut bars called "horikhivnyk." The following recipe has been in the contributor's family for several generations.

1 cup sifted all purpose flour
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
Salt, pinch
4 Tbsp. butter, cut into pieces
2 egg yolks
1 Tbsp. heavy cream
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
ALMOND AND DATE TOPPING:
2 cups confectioners' sugar (called sometimes Powdered or icing)
6 egg whites, stiffly beaten
1/2 lb. almonds, blanched, peeled and chopped (about 2 cups)
1/2 lb. pitted dates, finely chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
1/2 lb. semisweet baking chocolate grated

Sift the flour with the granulated sugar and a pinch of salt. Cut in the butter.

Combine the egg yolks, cream and vanilla. Add them to the flour and mix until the dough coheres. Pat the dough in a smooth layer into a buttered 9x12 inch baking pan.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it is firm but not browned.

FOR THE ALMOND AND DATE TOPPING:
While the dough is baking, prepare the topping.

Beat the egg whites until stiff. Gradually beat the confectioners' sugar into the beaten egg whites. When the mixture is firm, fold in the almonds, dates and chocolate. Spread the topping over the partially baked dough.

Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F and continue baking for about 40 minutes, or until the topping is set. Cool the sheet in the pan, then cut it into 1 1/2 by 3 inch bars.

Makes 24
Source: Traditional Ukrainian Cookery by Savella Stechishin