Ann's Date Squares (thanks to Step!)

During our down time at the workshop 2 weekends ago, a couple of us were bonding over baking. Steph talked about a recipe her mom swears by for date squares, and I promised I'd take it out for a spin and post the results.

This is a lovely new twist on a classic. The orange and coffee create an exotic flavour - and the filling doesn't contain any sugar, so these aren't too sweet at all. They have a kind of sophistication that take them to the next level.

Ann's Date Squares

Filling

2 c chopped, pitted dates

1 c brewed coffee

Combine above ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil – immediately lower heat and simmer until dates are soft (about 10 min) – remove from heat, stir in the following:

1 Tbsp lemon juice

juice of 1/2 orange

grated rind of orange set aside to cool

Crumb

1 1/4 c all purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

Mix above ingredients in large bowl and then cut in the following:

3/4 c cold butter

then add:

1 1/4 c rolled oats

3/4 c lightly packed brown sugar

2 tbsp ground hazelnuts or other chopped nuts (optional)

Press half the crumb mixture into an 8” square pan – spread this layer with filling and then top the filling with the remaining crumb mixture bake at 325 F for 25-30 minutes. Let them cool totally before you dive in. Oh! And they're lovely with a warm beverage... like a lovely cuppa tea.