Date oat squares

February 8, 2011 This post was featured on FoodBuzz Top 9

2 cups dates

3 oz orange juice

4 oz butter or margarine softened

3 oz brown sugar

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 cup rolled oats

In a glass bowl put the pitted dates with orange juice and microwave for about 5 minutes. Then press with a spoon to soften into a smooth paste. Put in a deep bowl to make sure it doesn't spill over.

This can also be done on the stove the amount of orange juice might need to be increased.

Mix butter and sugar, then add flour. Mix oats and combine with a fork until the mixture is a crumbly texture.

The bars can be baked in the oven or made in the microwave. 

Put 2/3rd of crumb mixture on the dish, put the date filling and then the remaining crumb mixture. Bake at 350F for 25 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes then cut into squares.

To make it in the microwave

Press about 2/3rd of the mixture into a square baking dish. Microwave for 3 minutes until firm.

Spread the date filling and top with remaining crumb and pat down lightly. Microwave for another 5 minutes. 

The time depends on the strength of the microwave. If the microwave doesn't turn on its own, turn it half way through cooking.

Let stand for 10 minutes, cool completely then cut into squares.

This recipe adapted from the Jaffa pitted dates box and goes to CWF oats at Priya and bake off.

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