Gramma's Date Squares

Ingredients

•  1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups sifted pastry flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 pound pitted dates, diced
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

1_ Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2_ In a large bowl, combine oats, pastry flour, salt, 1 cup brown sugar, and baking soda. Mix in the butter until crumbly. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a 9 inch square baking pan.

3_ In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the dates, water, and 1/3 cup brown sugar. Bring to a boil, and cook until thickened. Stir in lemon juice, and remove from heat. Spread the filling over the base, and pat the remaining crumb mixture on top.


4_ Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in preheated oven, or until top is lightly toasted. Cool before cutting into squares.