Zest Off The Blahhhhs!

 Zest off the winter or I mean spring blahs with a pan of Lemony Date Squares.

These squares are easy to make and the hit of lemon brightens them beautifully!

Unite Your Sous Chefs - Coerce someone to make them for you!

Lemony Date Squares

Oven Temperature: 350 F

Baking Time: 30-35 minutes

Equipment: 13 X 9 baking dish, medium saucepan, stand mixer with paddle attachment or large bowl and spoon

Makes: 20 squares

Ingredients

2 cups  dates, chopped, pitted ( 1 kg pkg)

3 Tbsp lemon juice

11/2 cups water

¼ tsp salt

3 cups all-purpose flour

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup brown sugar

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

11/4 cup unsalted butter

zest from lemon

Order of Events

Preheat oven to 350˚F.

1.     Zest your lemon, set aside. In a medium-sized pot over medium heat cook dates, lemon juice, water and salt until it forms a thick paste, 5-7 minutes.

2.     In a stand mixer with paddle attachment or in a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, butter and lemon zest until mixture is crumbly.

3.     Pat half of the mixture into the bottom of a 13x9-inch pan.

4.     Cover with the date paste.

5.     Top with remaining oat mixture and pat down.

6.     Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until browned on top.

7.     Cool on wire rack and cut into squares.