Canadian Date Squares, Eh!

Another Canadian recipe inspired by my mum. The Date Square is the Canadian equivalent of the blondie -- a popular treat, not as mainstream as the brownie but equally prevalent and equally delicious. Even Canadian Starbucks carry them as a baked good. Date squares are one of my all-time favorite food items. They're relatively easy to prepare (if you can make an apple crisp or a fruit cobbler, you can make them) and they keep for several days.

AlleyKat’s Canadian Date Squares, Eh
40 min | 15 min prep
SERVES 16

2 c. chopped dates
1.5 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 c. water
1 c. flour split whole wheat and all-purpose
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 c. + 1tbs butter or margarine
1 c. packed brown sugar
2 c. oats (not instant)

1. Combine dates, 1 TBSP brown sugar, and water in small saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook, stirring often, until dates are soft enough to be mashed with a fork.
3. Set aside.
4. In mixer bowl, blend flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Cut in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs.
6. Stir in brown sugar and oats.
7. Do not over mix.Mixture should stay crumbly.
8. Press half of crumb mixture over bottom of lightly buttered 8x8-inch pan to form bottom crust.
9. Gently spread date filling over bottom crust.
10. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture over date filling.
11. Lightly pat with palm of hand to even out.
12. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
13.Cool completely and cut into squares.