Texas Grandmere's Date Nut Candy Loaf

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Sugar (Consider trying a Stevia/granulated sugar mix for a lower-calorie option)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 package of pitted dates (2 cups)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Date Nut Candy:
   • In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of milk. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Add Dates and Butter:
   • Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the pitted dates to the boiling sugar-milk mixture.
   • Cook on low heat, stirring constantly until the dates are well-cooked, and the mixture thickens.
3. Enhance the Flavor:
   • Remove the mixture from heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1 cup of chopped pecans.
   • Beat the mixture vigorously, channeling the strength of your Texas roots. (Grandmere insisted, "the more nuts, the better!")
4. Shape and Set:
   • Pour the mixture lengthwise onto a damp kitchen towel, shaping it into a long roll. (For sentimental reasons, you can use wax paper, but the towel adds a special touch.)
   • Let it set up in the refrigerator for several days.
5. Slice and Serve:
   • When ready to serve, sprinkle powdered sugar over the entire loaf using a flour sifter.
   • Begin slicing the delectable Date Nut Candy pieces off the loaf.

Tips:

• Consider using a Stevia/granulated sugar mix for a lower-calorie version without compromising the sweetness.
• The longer the candy sets up in the refrigerator, the better the flavors meld.