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Date Roll Candy

Read Reviews (15)

"This is an easy to make and delicious candy that is a little different than any other." — bluebayou

Ingredients Edit and Save

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Sugar and Sweeteners

Original recipe makes 10 to 12 servings Change Servings

3 cups white sugar
1 cup evaporated milk

1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
1 cup chopped nuts

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Directions

Butter a 12x15 inch sheet of aluminum foil and dust generously with confectioners' sugar.
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, mix together the sugar and evaporated milk. Stir frequently and bring to softball stage of 235 degrees F. Stir in dates and nuts; allow mixture to cool.
Form the candy into a roll about 1-1/2 inches in diameter and wrap in the prepared foil; refrigerate until firm. Slice thinly with a knife dipped in hot water to serve.

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Missing Ingredients! I believe what this is missing is 1 tablespoon butter with the sugar and milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla with the dates and nuts. I prefer real butter and vanilla but margarine and vanilla flavoring will work. Cooking just short of the soft ball stage and beating in the dates and nuts with a wooden spoon makes it a bit creamier. Toasted pecans are our preferred nuts for this. I also use 1 1/2 cups of dates. My Grandmother made this every year until she couldn't, then my Mother took over. I inherited it when my Mom passed away. I am now teaching my daughter and daughter-in-law the tricks to making this wonderful candy.

—goldragon

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Dec 03, 2010

You left out the 2 tablespoons of butter and teaspoon of vanilla which is added when the mixture is cooked.

—Debbie Childress

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18 Ratings

Dec 09, 2005

This recipe is great with TWO cups of sugar. Helps reduce the "white stuff" we all get too much of. I also added 1 tsp of vanilla.

—LoLo

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Dec 13, 2006

My father made this recipe every Christmas. We called it "snake" candy because it is formed into a long roll before slicing. It is absolutely delicious and would make a great holiday gift. It is very simple to make, taking less than 30 minutes with a food processor to chop the dates and pecans.I highly recommend it!!

—Melinda Fish

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Nov 10, 2003

Thank you so much for submitting this yummy candy recipe. When I was a child my mom use to make this candy around christmas and EVERYONE loved it so much. I have been searching and searching for this recipe for years, since I had lost my mom. Thank you Sandra!!

—NIGHTBIRD315

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Dec 17, 2003

I'm not sure that this recipe had all the ingredients listed! I didn't understand what "softball" stage meant --- when I was finished, I felt that all I had was a log of suger! Yuk! I would love to hear more about this recipe from Sandra

—CIS2685

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Dec 20, 2008

This is decent as written, but it does feel far too sweet (I know it's candy, but still). Changes I wish I had made: chopping the walnuts and dates more coarsely so as to have larger chunks of each, and cutting down the sugar so as to let the dates and nuts take a more prominent role. I'll do that next time, if there is a next time; should result in a more sophisticated end result.

—Cheryl

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Dec 13, 2012

I've been making this candy every Christmas since 1966. My grandmother made it every Christmas when I was a child. Three stars for this recipe because I think the 1 tablespoon of butter and teaspoon of vanilla was left out. Also, I cook the sugar, milk (I use whole milk) and pitted dates together until the soft ball stage. Then then add the nuts, butter and vanilla and beat until cool. Wrap in a wet towel and form into a log. Let cool completely and slice. This candy is delicious, melt in your mouth and different from the ordinary Christmas candy everyone makes.

—GlendaR

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Nutrition

Calories
359 kcal
18%

Carbohydrates
69.6 g
22%

Cholesterol
7 mg
2%

Fat
9.1 g
14%

Fiber
2.3 g
9%

Protein
4.1 g
8%

Sodium
26 mg
1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Date Roll Candy

Serving Size: 1/11 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 11
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 359
Calories from Fat: 82

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9.1g 14 %
Saturated Fat 2.2g 11 %
Cholesterol 7mg 2 %
Sodium 26mg 1 %
Potassium 233mg 7 %
Total Carbohydrates 69.6g 22 %
Dietary Fiber 2.3g 9 %
Protein 4.1g 8 %
Sugars 65.8g
Vitamin A 1 %
Vitamin C < 1 %
Calcium 10 %
Iron 6 %
Thiamin 9 %
Niacin 13 %
Vitamin B6 4 %
Magnesium 15 %
Folate 8 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.