Congo Squares - 1954
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Note: "Lick the bowl" involved using a long wooden spoon to scrape the bowl of unused dough and eating it -- yes, uncooked!
Congo Squares - 1974
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By 1974, I had a little family of my own. We lived in Wagener, SC. And yes, I always made Mama's Congo Squares for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. And yes, they were still good -- and my children loved to "lick the bowl"! My children learned, as we had, that they could more easiy have the long sticks of end pieces after cutting -- and save the pretty pieces for company! Do you have everything you need to make some good congos?
Baker's Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009) 
Simply Calphalon Nonstick 6-Piece Bakeware Set
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
SilverStone Simply Baking Cookie Pan Set
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/06/2009)
Sheet Pan Half Size - 12-7/8'' x 17-3/4'' Heavy Duty, 13 Gauge
Amazon Price: $16.49 (as of 07/06/2009)
Congo Squares - 2004
In 2004 we attended the Tate Family Reunion in Helen, Georgia. My granddaughter attended with us for the very first time. What fun! And yes, again I made congo squares! And they were almost as good as they were when mama made them back in 1954! The Recipe for Congo Squares
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This recipe is taken from The Tate Table, a family cookbook created by my sister, Betty Tate DeLorme, and presented to the family in 1983. The first page reads:When we think of home...
We cannot help but think
of the kitchen table..
Over the years, all the
laughter and fun...
And always...
Bountiful food.
CONGO SQUARES
Wish I had a nickel for every one I've eaten! Mama's recipe from Pendleton Treasures... Becky Tate
2 3/4 cups sifted flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening or margarine
2 1/4 cups brown sugar (1 Lb box)
3 eggs
1 cup nut meats (pecans), broken
1 package semi-sweet chocolate morsels (small bag)
Mix and sift flour, baking powder and salt. Melt shortening and add brown sugar. Stir until well mixed. Allow to cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add dry ingredients, then nuts, and chocolate bits. Pour into greased pan about 10 1/2 x 15 1/2 x 3/4. Bake at 350 degrees, 25 to 30 minutes.
Yield - 48 squares. When almost cool, cut into squares approximately 2 x 2.
(Joan says not to forget to "pat 'em down" about halfway through the baking process.)
2008 - My personal notes about congos!
Read and heed!
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You have to be in a hurry to make these work. In a hurry, busy, but happy! I am serious! The dough knows!The dough is very heavy. Mama taught me to wet my hands and pat the dough into the pan.
When they are about half done, open the oven door, grab the rack and lift it about a half inch, and let it drop. This will cause the congos to fall, and make them ever so chewy and good.
I use self rising flour now and omit the baking powder and salt. If I cannot find that small bag of chocolate chips, I use about a cup of chocolate chips. It works out just fine.
I remember it all with this little chant Mama taught me.
"Melt butter, add sugar, beat well, let cool. Add eggs one at a time." I still - to this day - say that as I bake congos! I am sure there was more of it, but that is the part I remember!
In my notes, mama has written -- "tee hee - take it easy on intake - very fattening!"
ADDENDUM: I think in our modern age, all flour is pre-sifted, so you do not have to worry about that anymore. I did not realize that the recipe calls for "sifted" flour until I read your delightful comments. Thank you!
What Does a Congo Square Look Like?
A congo square is just a variation of a brownie -- a bar cookie - a fancy variation. I will look for some pictures of one, but -- I have never had them around here long enough to take a picture! They disappear really really fast! A congo is a light brown brownie with pecans and chocolate chips!
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More Recipes from The Tate Girls
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Casserole Recipe- Broccoli-Rice-Sausage
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We were invited to a "covered dish" tonight at a friend's home. She has re-done her old family home place which was built in 1790 and wanted to have her neighbors and friends over. I immediately thought about our family favorite - The Broccoli-Rice-...
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Sausage Bean Chowder
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This chowder is wonderful on those cold winter nights! It's easy to make and serves a family of four easily. I always double the recipe and share with neighbors. Have a soup night drop in! Make 3-4 kinds of soups and chowders and invite the neighbor...
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How to Make Your Own Family Cookbook
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My sister, Betty Tate DeLorme, presented our family with a family cookbook in 1983. She had patiently typed every word on a Royal Manual Typewriter. In this day we have computers, and creating your own family cookbook is much faster - and easier! Yo...
Are you going to make some congos this week?
I love to read your comments. Thank you for visiting!
Heather426 wrote...
well there goes my diet! sounds yummy, I will try it for sure.
Posted July 03, 2009
ChapelHillFiddler wrote...
what a riot! will DEFINITELY make them but probably not this weekend as we will be maxed out on wedding cake tastings! thanks for sharing, some people hide their best recipes away and keep them super-secret.
Posted June 19, 2009
MARI wrote
Hey my Grandma made these & I'd lost the recipe. Enjoyed your page. Only thing my Gram did was use vanilla extract. Just a little but, everything else the same. I'm making them now and intend to feel ill later as I will definately eat a lot of batter. Thanks for sharing! Mari : )
Posted June 14, 2009
stargazer00 wrote...
Congo squares sound yummy! I'd love for you to submit this recipe lens to my Hungry Squidz Choice Group.
Posted February 09, 2009
TheGreenerMe wrote...
Great work on this delicious looking lens! These sound incredible!
Posted January 14, 2009
Lynne Sumerel wrote
I'm going to make some of these...leave them for Santa But then again we may eat all of them before he comes! Thanks for the receipe.
Posted December 18, 2008
Joan4 wrote...
in reply to OhMe Wish I could get some to you! Mine are better this year than ever!
Posted November 27, 2008
OhMe wrote...
It's Thanksgiving and I don't have any Congo Squares. BooHoo.
Posted November 27, 2008
Margo_Arrowsmith wrote...
This lens is how I first found the Tate family! *****
Posted November 13, 2008
rms wrote...
Thank you for this fine addition to the Cute ittle Cupcakes and Tasty Treats group!
Posted November 11, 2008
emmalarkins wrote...
Yum! You're making my mouth water. Never heard of it before, but it sounds worth a try!
Posted November 05, 2008
rms wrote...
This delicious recipe lens is being featured at www.cabaretsquidoo.com today!
Posted October 28, 2008
Jewelsofawe wrote...
I have never heard of a congo square. Thanks for the comment on my blog. Don't you have a blog? I am trying to find it and put a link to it on my blog, but I can't find it. Unless you don't have one.
Posted October 23, 2008
kiwisoutback wrote...
I just added this lens to our chocolate chip cookies lens! Nice work, I'd love to try these out.
Posted October 23, 2008
awelldressedbullet wrote...
What a wonderful lens, thank you so much for sharing such special family moments and a special family recipe with us! - Kathy
Posted October 21, 2008
Kate wrote
Hey Joan, nice lens! 5 star all over!
Kate
Morocco villa.
Posted October 13, 2008
stargazer00 wrote...
Boy do these sound good! I had never heard of them before. I think I've been missing something!
Posted October 04, 2008
Lou wrote
I have just made and eaten my first congo bars. They are great and so easy to make. That's the important part. Thanks for sharing. I am sure these will become a tailgate favorite!
Posted September 24, 2008
vbright105 wrote...
Oh yum! I was just checking out recipes in the dessert contest...(I can't vote, sorry) but that won't stop me from making these! Encore! Encore!
Posted September 16, 2008
lakeerieartists wrote...
This one is a new one on me! Welcome to the Comfort Food Group.
Posted September 15, 2008
SemperFidelis wrote...
Congo Squares? Hmm, can't imagine what one smells like! lol Nice lens Joan.
Blessed, 5-starred, and favorited by a Squid Angel today! :)
Colleen ~ www.squidoo.com/squid-angel
Posted September 04, 2008
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
I never heard of congo squares but they sound good so we're going to try them.
Great lens.
Lizzy
Posted September 03, 2008
Susan52 wrote...
I really, really need to make these! Can I be in your family? You have the best recipes and the best reunions. So much fun!
Posted August 23, 2008
Stazjia wrote...
I've never heard of congo square, I don't think we have them here in the UK but I think I'll try making them. Great lens.
Posted August 23, 2008
poutine wrote...
Love to read about family stories. Those bars sure sound yummy....but fattening....
Poutinje
Posted August 23, 2008
KimGiancaterino wrote...
Welcome to Culinary Favorites From A to Z. I'll add you to our LOTD section next time I update.
Posted August 13, 2008
chef_filipina wrote...
Very informative.
Great lens. Rated it 5 stars.
Feel free to visit http://pinoyfoodtaste.blogspot.com/
Nothing can be more delicious. Cook it to your home!
Posted August 07, 2008
TheInfamous7 wrote...
Brilliant Joan!! Congrats on the LOTD and thankyou for introducing me to a New Dessert!! :-) I shall try making some and tell you how they go down in the UK :-) x x
Posted August 05, 2008
starlitparlit wrote...
Congratulations on Lens of the Day. Congo Squares sound so yummy. I can't wait to try out the recipe. This is the first time that I ahve heard of them.
Posted August 05, 2008
Tiddledeewinks wrote...
Congratulations on LOTD! I remember my mother-in-law making Congo squares way back.
Posted August 02, 2008
ArtByLinda wrote...
Congrats on lens of the day, I am going to have to try these congo squares! It is the first I heard of them. Linda
Posted August 02, 2008
Squidster wrote...
Hmm, sounds yummy, I might have to try this recipe (and let my boys lick the bowl)! Brings back memories of childhood.
Posted August 02, 2008
alicesy wrote...
Excellent Lens. I like the quality insight you have provided here about Congo Squares - A Tate Family Tradition. Keep up the good work.
Please check out my Police Jobs Blog.
Posted July 31, 2008
Laura wrote
My beloved ex-mother in law makes these. I always loved them. She got the recipe from your mama years ago. i havent made any or thought about them in years, but think I might make some this weekend.
Posted July 31, 2008
Lakota429 wrote...
Yummy!!!! These have always been one of my favorites! Congrats on LOTD!! 5 stars! Well-deserved! Would love it if you came on over for a visit...Annie~
Posted July 31, 2008
Rob3 wrote...
Excellent lens! Congratulations on LOTD. I had not heard of Congo Squares before, but I would love to try them sometime. 5*
Posted July 31, 2008
TLC33 wrote...
Congrats on LotD! I must try some of these, they sound so yummy. 5 stars for a great lens!
Posted July 31, 2008
RapidFire wrote
Greetings from Malaysia! Great to learn about a new food! We Malaysians love eating and we can find eateries open all night long. Great job with LOTD
Posted July 30, 2008
pizzatherapy wrote...
Incredible. How something so simple can taste so good. Its more than just the congo squares. It's the love baked inside.
albert grande
pizzatherapy.com
Posted July 30, 2008
Joan4 wrote...
Oh I loved seeing that some of you remembered eating congo squares! and no, Mike, I was not aware of the New Orleans part of this. I feel sure that is where the recipe came from. My dad's folks were from Georgia and we are all South Carolinians. Those old recipes do get passed around! Thank you for adding that story! I have always wondered about the name, Congo Squares.
Posted July 29, 2008
Pastiche wrote...
Congrats on LOTD - and for publishing the recipe for one of my childhood faves. 5*s, and can't wait to bake a batch.
Posted July 29, 2008
Mike Artell wrote
FYI: I'm a native New Orleanian and Congo Square is a famous area of the city on Rampart Street. African-American slaves would congregate and play music in Congo Square on Sundays and the music they created served as the basis for many of the rhythms and chants that are still a part of N'awlins music.Wikipedia has a good description. Apologies is y'all already knew this info.
Posted July 29, 2008
entertaininstyle wrote
Congrats on LOTD. I can't wait to try Congo Squares...as soon as I figure out non-gluten, non-dairy version. :>))
Posted July 29, 2008
KarenKay wrote...
WOOT! Wtg my "Moon" friend!
Congrats on lotd and winning the contest.
You're an awesome lady!
Hugs,
KK
Posted July 29, 2008
by Joan4
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