I’d been wondering what to do with the remainder of the Medjool dates left from Christmas and then remembered this recipe! In no time you’ll have a nice treat to go with your cup of tea or coffee! A great addition to a school or work lunch.
Filling:
½ lb. pitted dates, chopped
1 cup water
½ cup raisins
2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
Crumb Base & Topping:
1 cup unbleached flour (or use a mixture of whole-wheat & unbleached)
1 cup oatmeal (not instant)
1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
½ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
Make the Filling:
Combine the dates, water, raisins and lemon juice in a 4 cup measuring cup. Cover with plastic wrap, leaving a vent, microwave on high 5 – 6 minutes, or until the mixture boils, stirring every 2 minutes. The dates should be soft. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes; uncover, cool to lukewarm, stirring occasionally.
Make the Crumb Base & Topping:
Combine the first 5 dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Press half firmly into an 8” square glass baking dish. Spread with the date mixture; sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture, patting down lightly; microwave at medium-high (70%) power, 9 minutes, rotating ¼ of a turn every 3 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil and let stand directly on the countertop 10 minutes. Uncover, cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into 16 squares and enjoy!
