Date Bars With Maple Syrup And Brown Sugar Food

CLASSIC OATMEAL DATE BARS

Steps:

• Combine dates, 1/2 cup brown sugar, orange zest and 1 cup water in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook until thickened to a spreadable texture.
• Cool mixture completely and combine remaining ingredients in order given.
• Mix thoroughly.
• Pack one half of mixture in a 9x13 pan sprayed with cooking spray or lightly greased with butter, pressing lightly.
• Spread date mixture over top.
• Top with the other half of oatmeal mixture, pressing lightly.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until lightly golden on top.
• Remove from the oven
• and cut into squares while warm.

BEST DATE BARS

Steps:

• In a saucepan, combine dates, sugar and water. Cook, stirring frequently, until very thick. Stir in walnuts, if desired; cool. , Sift the flour, salt and baking soda together in a large bowl; add oats and brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle water over mixture; stir lightly. Pat half into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Spread with date mixture; cover with remaining oat mixture and pat lightly. , Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

MAPLE DATE BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Combine dates, water, and maple syrup in a heavy saucepan on medium heat.
• Bring to a boil and cook about 12 minutes, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid is absorbed and it looks like jam. Stir in the rind and remove from heat to cool completely.
• Cream the sugar and butter with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt, then stir into sugar mixture. (It will become crumbly) Press 2 cups flour mixture into bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Spread date mixture on top, then sprinkle with remaining flour mixture. Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.