Old-Fashioned Date Bars

Old-Fashioned Date Bars. The date. Strong and subtle.

Pair him with sugary, oats-y goodness and you have the perfect escort for your next potluck.

Old-Fashioned Date Bars

Preheat oven to 350°F.

• 1 pound dates, pitted & diced (pre-chopped in the package is fine)
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 cups oatmeal
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cups butter, cut into small pieces

Pour dates, water, and sugar into a large saucepan. Stir and place over high heat. After filling starts to boil, reduce heat to medium and stir occasionally. Allow filling to simmer for five minutes. When done, remove from the burner and set aside.

Place the remaining ingredients into a large food processor and press pulse until the ingredients come together just enough to make a lovely, crumbly streusel. A food processor is easier, but you can also you can use a large bowl and a pastry cutter.

Press half of the crumble mixture evenly into a 9X13 pan. Set remaining crumble aside. Pour and spread date filling evenly over the bottom layer of oatmeal crumble.

Top date filling with remaining loose crumble mixture evenly (do not press down).

Bake for 35-40 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the filling should be bubbly hot. Allow to set until cooled to room almost temperature and filling has a chance to firm up a bit.  Cut into squares.

The season of reunions and picnics is quickly upon us, so let us not forget the decadent date bar. You will never be let down.