Date Oat Bars

Name: Date Oat Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 3 dozen.
Ingredients: 1-3/4 cups chopped dates; 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon grated orange zest; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; CRUST:; 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup cold butter; 1-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats; 1 cup packed brown sugar

My mother found this recipe many years ago. I love the citrusy taste of these treats just as much today as I did back then.—Joyce Eastman, Garden Grove, California

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups chopped dates
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
CRUST:
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold butter
1-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup packed brown sugar

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine the dates, water, brown sugar and orange zest. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil, about 4 minutes. Cook and stir 3 minutes longer or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat. Stir in orange and lemon juices. Cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add oats and brown sugar; mix well. Set aside half for the topping. Press remaining crumb mixture into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan.
Drop date mixture by small spoonfuls onto crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture; press down gently. Bake at 325° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts

1 bar: 126 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.

Originally published as Date Shortbread in Reminisce November/December 2005