Date Bars

Last time I was in the grocery store, I noticed some figs and dates in the produce/bulk area.  I don't usually buy anything like that, but decided to get some dates.  Later I wondered why I chose the dates, since I had been looking at fig bars in the last store but decided not to get them.  I could have tried making my own.  But, I got dates, so today I went looking for recipes for date bars.  I ended up choosing this one.  They look and smell wonderful, though I haven't tasted them yet.

Date Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pitted dates
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour  (1/2 cup whole wheat)
  
• 1 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, diced, room temperature

Instructions:

1. Grease 8x8-inch baking pan. (I used a 7x11-inch pan)
   
2. Bring 1 1/2 cups water to simmer in medium saucepan. Add dates; simmer until very soft and thick, stirring occasionally, about 10 (20) minutes. Cool to room temperature. Stir in vanilla.
3. Combine flour, sugar, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in large bowl; stir to blend. Add butter. Using fork or fingertips, rub in until moist clumps form. Press half of oat mixture evenly over bottom of prepared pan. Spread date mixture over. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture; press gently to adhere. 
4. Bake at 350°F until brown at edges and golden brown and set in center, about 40 minutes. Cool completely in pan on rack. Cut into bars and serve. 

original recipe at epicurious

I also spread some chopped pecans on top and pressed that in with the oat mixture.  I thought about making these Apple Date-Nut Bars instead, also at epicurious, but I knew Cory wouldn't be happy if I used all his Granny Smith apples.  Maybe next time.

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