Date Squares

1-1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1-1/2 cups rolled oats

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Add sugar and oats and mix well.

Spread half of crumbs in a greased 9 x 9-inch baking pan. Pat mixture until firm and smooth. Spread filling over crust. Add remaining oat mixture and press down lightly with hands.

Bake in 325 ̊ oven for 35 – 40 minutes until lightly browned. Cut squares while hot and allow to cool in pan.

Filling

2 cups dates, chopped
3/4 cup cold water
2 tbsp brown sugar
zest of 1/2 orange, grated
2 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp lemon juice

Combine dates, water, brown sugar and orange zest in small saucepan and cook over medium heat until thick and smooth. Remove from heat and add fruit juices. Mix well.