My first

before

after baking

..... ever date squares.  My sister Barbara gifts me with a batch each Christmas because they are something I never make  but just recently Margaret gave me some of hers to taste and I was inspired to make my own.   We shopped at the bulk barn together after gym on Wednesday and she helped me buy the right ingredients and answered all my questions.  Apparently I need to learn to think less and just do.   Well I did this morning and in the process learned a few lesson.

1)   Cut the butter into smaller pieces before blending in the the dry ingredients.
2)   Let them cool longer before digging in or
3)   Ask Margaret why mine seem a little overly moist on the bottom.

Stephen says we can eat them with a spoon, Paul says that's a great idea as long as I serve ice cream on the plate at the same time.

DATE SQUARES

Combine in saucepan and cook until soft:

1  lb of dates (1 1/4 lb) don't be too specific                she said I'd know

1 1/2 cup of water (same amount of water)                  by looking

Mix into crumbs:

1 3/4 cup  oatmeal (2 1/2 c)    large rolled         
1 1/4 cup flour       (1 3/4 c)

1  cup cold butter  (1 1/2 c)                            M uses the larger measures

1 cup brown sugar (1 1/2 c)                            and so did I

1 tsp baking soda  (1 1/2 tsp)

1 tsp salt              (1 1/2 tsp)

I use my hands to mix .                                 I used a pastry blender

Put half the crumbs into a 9 x 9 in pan or an oblong pan.    mine was 7 X 11

                                                                                                                                      

Add date mixture layer and top with remaining crumbs.    

Bake at 250 deg for 1 hr. Yes that is right 250 deg.

They are very rich and moist and yes, I will make them again.