Date Squares

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1⁄2 cups sifted pastry flour
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 3⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1⁄3 cup sugar
• 3⁄4 cup softened margarine
• 1 1⁄2 cup diced pitted dates
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method

• Preheat oven to 175ºC (350ºF).
• In a large bowl, combine oats, pastry flour, salt, 1 cup sugar, and baking soda. Mix in the margarine until crumbly. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a 9 inch square baking pan.
• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the dates, water, and 1⁄3 cup sugar. Bring to a boil, and cook until thickened. Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat.
• Spread the filling over the base, and pat the remaining crumb mixture on top.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in preheated oven, or until top is lightly toasted. Cool before cutting into squares.

Recipe Notes