Oatmeal Date Bars

==Ingredients==
* 1 cup of white flour
* 1 cup of raw oatmeal
* ⅔ cup of packed brown sugar (or ½ cup regular sugar plus ¼ cup of date syrup)
* ¼ teaspoon baking soda
* ¼ teaspoon baking powder
* ½ cup of butter or margarine, softened
* 1 cup of packed, chopped pitted dates, ½ cup of water, and juice of a lemon (or 1 cup of date paste and 3 tablespoons of butter)
* ⅓ cup of chopped nuts (optional)
==Directions==
# Make the filling by boiling the dates with the water for about 5 minutes or until bubbly and soft.
# Remove from heat and add the lemon juice and nuts (alternatively, heat the date paste with the 3 tablespoons of margarine and nuts).
# In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oatmeal, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder.
# Cut in the margarine until the mixture resembles course crumbs.
# Press ⅔ of the flour mixture in a 9" x 9" baking pan.
# Spread the filling over it.
# Sprinkle the remaining flour mixture over the top.
# Very lightly press the top (you want the top to be flaky, so press only to help the crumbs stick on once cooked).
# Bake in a 350°F oven for about 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden.
# Cut into squares and serve warm or cool.
Category:Bar and square Recipes