MAKEOVER: MAKEOVER: Date Squares (by KLSTEW) (by KLSTEW)

Filling
1 pound Dromedary Dates chopped fine (should be about 3 cups but do the whole pound
1 cup water
1tsp pure vanilla extract

Top and Bottom Crust

2.5 Cups Flour
2.5 Cups Quaker Rolled Oats (quick oats ok too)
1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
.75 Tsp Baking Soda
1.5 baking powder
1.5 cups Butter

Filling
Chop Dates fine
add to 1 cup of water - bring to a boil and cook over medium heat until dates start to break down. (5-10 minutes). Using a portable mixer break the dates down a bit more while still on the heat.
Remove from heat and add vanilla mixing well - set aside

Crust
melt butter in microwave or in a stove top pan. Set aside.

Combine flour, brown sugar, oats and baking soda in a large mixing bowl (mixer on slow speed or by hand)
With mixer running slowly add butter to the mix until it makes a fine crumbly mix. Divide into halves for top and bottom.
Into a 9x13 glass dish, put half the crust mix and using a square bottom glass, tamp well into the bottom.

Spread filling evenly over tamped bottom crust

Add remaining crust onto filling and tamp lightly

Cook at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes until top crust starts to change to a little darker shade

Remove from oven, cut into a 6 x 4 pattern making sure to separate from the side of the dish as well - allow to cool at least 20-30 minutes - serve and enjoy.