Cognac Date Squares

• 1 pound chopped dates
• 3/4 cup apple cider or unsweetened apple juice
• 1/4 cup Cognac or brandy
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• kosher salt, divided
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios

1. In a large saucepan, combine the dates, apple cider, Cognac and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until liquid is almost evaporated, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature.
2. In a small bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and remaining salt. Add butter; mix well. Press 1-1/3 cups into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Add pistachios to remaining oat mixture; set aside.
3. Spread date mixture over crust; top with reserved pistachio mixture. Bake at 350u0b0 for 24-28 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares.

dates, apple cider, cognac, salt, kosher salt, vanilla, flour, oldfashioned oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, baking soda, butter, pistachios

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/cognac-date-squares/ (may not work)