An old-world dessert bar studded with chopped walnuts and dates, drizzled with warm honey and dusted with powdered sugar.

Honey Cake Squares

1 cup walnuts, chopped
3/4 cup dates, chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon orange peel, grated
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl combine walnuts and dates dredging in 3 tablespoons flour to coat. Set aside.
3. In a bowl cream butter, gradually adding sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine 1 cup flour, baking powder, salt, cardamom, and orange peel. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in nuts and dates.
4. Pour into greased 8-inch square pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set.
5. Immediately drizzle with honey and cool in the pan. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Makes 8 servings.