Anita's Mom's Date Squares
I have not yet tried this, but it is from an overdue library book (from our mothers' kitchens) and i want to return the book tomorrow, so need to get the recipes i want to try copied down, pronto. I love the idea of adding the orange juice and zest in with the dates in this old-fashioned recipe.
Steps
First , make filling.
In a heavy saucepan , combine dates , sugar , water , orange juice and grated orange rind.
Cover pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer , stirring frequently , until dates are tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
This will take 15 to 20 minutes.
Let mixture cool.
Preheat oven to 375f.
Lightly grease a 9-inch square cake pan and set aside.
To make crust , stir together flours , soda and oats.
In a mixing bowl , cream butter and brown sugar together , then add in the flour mixture and stir until crumbly and moist.
Pat two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared pan , then spread cooled filling evenly over this base.
Sprinkle with remaining flour mixture , evenly over entire surface , and then pat in lightly.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes , or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
Let cool slightly before cutting into bars or squares.
Ingredients
pitted dates, white sugar, water, orange, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, rolled oats, butter, brown sugar