Rainy Day Squares - a Vegan Snack Cake

This recipe is a perfect compliment to a hot cup of tea or coffee on a cold rainy day.  I have adapted it from an old Company's Coming cookbook I purchased back in the early 90's. 

While it isn't a health food, the aroma when baking makes it worth the calories.  There are a few steps when combining all the ingredients, but it is worth the fuss.

I think the squares are sweet as they are so I do not top them with frosting or icing.  However, I do sprinkle them with a little powdered/confectioner's sugar to dress them up a bit.

RAINY DAY SQUARES

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup Walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup Raisins or Dates, chopped
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 cup Boiling Water
1/2 cup vegan Margarine (I used soy free Earth Balance)
1 cup Brown Sugar, packed
1 Flax Egg ( 1 Tbsp ground Flax Seeds mixed with 3 Tbsp warm water)
1/2 tsp Vanilla
1 - 1/2 cups organic Unbleached Flour
1/4 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1/4 tsp Ginger
 1/2 to 1 tsp Powdered/Confectioner's Sugar for dusting

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Preheat oven to 350˚F (176.6˚C).  Grease a 9x9 glass baking dish and set aside.

2.  In small ceramic bowl combine raisins, nuts, and baking soda.  Pour the boiling water over top and set aside.

3.  Mix your flax egg by combining 1 Tbsp ground flax seeds with 3 Tbsp warm water.  Stir together and set aside so it can thicken.

4.  In a separate bowl stir together the flour,  baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.  Set aside.

5.  In a large mixing bowl beat the margarine and brown sugar together.  Add vanilla and flax egg and beat again until well combined.  

6.  Add raisin mixture to brown sugar mixture and stir well.

7.  Add in the flour mixture and stir to combine. Pour into the greased pan.

(Ready for the oven)

8.  Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick when inserted comes out clean.

(Fresh out of the oven)

9.  Place pan on a rack to cool.  Once cool, sift powdered sugar over the top if desired.  Cut into 16 squares and enjoy.

(Get in my belly)

*  Note:  Feeling adventurous?  If you want to spice it up a bit, try using very hot chai tea instead of the boiling water.

Bon Appetit

"Do not be angry with the rain, it simply does not know how to fall upwards." - Vladimir Nabokov

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