Jim Jams
Description
Jim Jams are a nostalgic treat featuring tender, flaky oatmeal dough filled with a rich, homemade date paste. This recipe combines the rustic heartiness of oats and flour with the deep, caramel-like sweetness of dates, creating a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent. The dough, enriched with a blend of butter and lard, bakes up golden and crisp, providing the perfect vessel for the sticky, aromatic filling. Whether shaped into neat rectangles or folded pockets, these treats are ideal for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet ending to a family meal. They capture the essence of home-style baking with every bite.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
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In a large bowl, combine the oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, and baking soda.
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Cut in the lard and butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Add the buttermilk all at once and mix gently until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
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Divide the dough in half and roll each half out on a floured surface to a thin sheet, approximately 1/8 inch thick.
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To make the filling, chop the dates and combine them with the water and sugar in a saucepan.
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Cook the date mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the dates are soft and the mixture thickens into a spreadable paste.
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Remove the filling from heat and let it cool slightly.
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Spread half of the cooled date filling evenly over one of the rolled-out dough sheets.
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Place the second dough sheet on top of the filled layer to create a sandwich.
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Use a knife or pastry cutter to cut the dough into small rectangles or 3-inch circles.
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Transfer the pieces to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for expansion.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
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Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 36
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1629.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 64.0g99%
- Saturated Fat 28.9g145%
- Cholesterol 65.1mg22%
- Sodium 255.3mg11%
- Total Carbohydrate 231.2g78%
- Dietary Fiber 16.0g64%
- Sugars 61.1g
- Protein 33.6g68%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
**Buttermilk Substitute:** If you do not have buttermilk, add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk and let it stand for 5 minutes before using.
**Filling Variations:** For a citrus twist, substitute the sugar in the filling with orange juice and add grated orange rind. Strawberry jam is also a delicious alternative to the date paste.
**Shaping Options:** Instead of rectangles, you can place a spoonful of filling in the center of small dough circles and fold them over into half-moon shapes, sealing the edges with a fork.
**Storage:** Store cooled Jim Jams in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
