Nanny’s Best Date Squares
1 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
Date Filling
2 cups chopped dates
3/4 cup cold water
2 tbsps brown sugar
grated rind of 1/2 orange (optional)
2 tbsps orange juice (optional)
1 tsp lemon juice
Preheat oven to 325F. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Rub or cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Add sugar and oats. Mix well.
Spread half of crumb mixture in greased, shallow 9″ square pan. Pat mixture until firm and smooth.
Cook dates, water, orange rind, and sugar in small saucepan over medium heat until thick and smooth. Remove from heat and add orange juice if using. Mix well.
Spread date mixture over crumbs in bottom of pan. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes until lightly browned. Cut squares while hot and allow to cool in pan.