Date Squares

full disclaimer:  i LOVE these squares, they're one of my favourite things ever and i don't like sharing.

this recipe comes courtesy of my dear mother in-law, who is kind enough to ensure my freezer stays full.  (i actually enjoy these squares the most when they are chilled, which also means i have no safe place to keep them.  ugh.  first world problems i know.)

you should also know i've also never made these squares for myself, if i were to start you could count on a worldwide date shortage within mere months.  so i will continue to limit/ration the squares i have and eagerly await the next 'care package'  (hint hint.)

i have the best mother in-law.  xo.

Date Squares

Ingredients:

base and topping

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 cups quick oats

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1 cup butter

date filling

3 cups dates, pitted and diced

3/4 cup hot water

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

pinch of salt

Method:

Combine dates, hot water, sugar and salt together in a saucepan.  Cook over medium heat until dates are soft and water is absorbed; add vanilla and allow to cool.

Preheat oven to 350F, lightly grease 9-inch pan and set aside.

In large bowl stir together flour and baking soda; add in oats and brown sugar mixing well.  Work in butter with a fork until mixture is crumbly.

Spread half of oat mixture in the bottom of prepared pan and pat down.  Cover with cooled date filling and pat with 1/2 of the remaining oat mixture, the sprinkle over lightly with the remaining half.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Let cool before cutting into squares

note: for thinner squares you can opt to use a 9" x 13" pan