Date Butter Sandwiches

I love old cookbooks, especially from the 1950s and 1960s … the decades just before I was born … the decades devoted to Leave it to Beaver, Bewitched, and I Dream of Jeannie … the decades of economic prosperity and back-yard BBQs … the decades of Tupperware parties and very awesome Pyrex designs.

Party food from this era is one of my favorites, and I still use a lot of the old, simplistic recipes when I entertain. Sandwich spreads are one of the easiest things to make … and the little finger sandwiches can be served along side a variety of other items, sweet or savory. 

During a recent visit to my favorite resale shop, I happened upon a 1957 cook booklet published by the American Institute of Baking.

“Turn to Sandwiches” is full of spreads, fillings, and simple sandwiches to serve at parties or for a meal … to take to work or to a picnic. It’s a fabulous little peek into mid-20th century food stuffs!

Butter Spreads

One of the simplest spreads is mixing something with butter. Really? It can’t get any simpler than that. This is also something that you can play with and make up your own combinations. 

A date butter recipe caught my eye, so I decided to serve date butter sandwiches at a recent “deck party” I hosted for a few girlfriends. 

Super simple.

Mix equal parts softened butter … real butter … with chopped dates and a little lemon juice. Spread on your favorite party bread. I found “English muffin” sliced bread in the bakery of my local grocery store. Stack your sandwiches on a cute platter and serve. Done. Grab some wine and enjoy your friends.

Butters will last in the refrigerator for several weeks, and this one is very good on toast for breakfast with iced coffee! You can also freeze for later if you make a big batch.