Bakery Date Squares

This most recent bake is another crumble bar recipe. So sorry for the repeat but since the roomie wanted something sweet and I had a package of chopped, pitted dates sitting around the pantry waiting for ages to be used, I decided to finally put them to good use. Dates are a very naturally sweet fruit- I know, all fruits are naturally sweet, but just taste one and you'll see what I mean. They are one of the seven species that the Torah says Israel is blessed with, and it is true, they are plentiful here. Date honey is also quite commonly found on supermarket shelves, although I admit, that I've never used it for anything myself. Making the filling was a breeze using the packaged, pre-chopped dates. I added some water to them and brought them to a boil with some lemon juice and salt. After that, I added some vanilla. While it cooled, I made a simple oat, brown sugar crust. The filling was nice and easy to spread. These baked in just about 30 minutes. Honestly, I wasnt sure how these would be received as I feel like dates are a hit-or-miss, rather sophisticated flavor. I personally loved them. I really enjoyed the contrast of the smooth filling and crunchy crust. These did disappear, slowly but surely. Girls who claimed to not like dates tasted them and enjoyed them, even proclaiming them delicious. I dont know that I'd make them again for this crowd, but they were yummy.

Bakery Date Squares

from KAF Cookie Companion

Filling:

15-16 ounces chopped dates

1 cup water

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp plus 1 tsp lemon juice

2 tsp vanilla

Crust:

1 1/2 cups oats

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup brown sugar

3/4 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup margarine, melted

Preheat the oven to 350. Line a nine by nine inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

Place all of the filling ingredients except for the vanilla in a pan. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn down to low and simmer for three to four minutes until the liquid has been absorbed. Set aside to cool.Add the vanilla. Stir and set aside while you make the crust.
Place all of the dry ingredients in a bowl,
and stir until combined.
Add the melted margarine or butter,
and stir until all of the dry ingredients are moistened.
Press two thirds of this mixture into the bottom of the pan.
Spread the date filling atop the crust.
Sprinkle with remaining crumble mixture.
Bake for thirty minutes. Cool and enjoy!