Matrimonial Bar A.K.A. Date Bars

• FOR THE CRUMB LAYER:
• 1-1/4 cup Flour
• 1-1/2 cup Rolled Oats
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 cup Butter
• _____
• FOR THE FILLING:
• 1/2 pounds Dates (If You Can Buy Dates In A Block, 1 Block = 1/2 Lb)
• 1/2 cups Sugar
• 2/3 cups Water

1. Crumb layer:
2. 1. Measure flour, oats, sugar, baking soda, salt and butter in a large bowl.
3. 2. Cut butter in with a pastry blender or your hands until butter is the size of small peas.
4. 3. Press about 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of a parchment or tin foil-lined 9x9inch pan. Set aside.
5. Filling:
6. Maybe start this before you do the crumb, then they will be done at about the same time!
7. 1. Combine dates, sugar and water in a saucepan.
8. 2. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer till mushy. If mixture becomes too dry, add a bit more water. If it is too wet, allow to simmer until excess has boiled away. You want the mixture to be easy to spread and relatively soft.
9. 3. Spread over crumb layer as evenly as possible.
10. 4. Sprinkle remaining 1/3 of crumbs over the top and press down lightly.
11. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
12. Cool and cut into squares. Enjoy!

crumb layer, flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, butter, filling, dates, sugar, water

Taken from tastykitchen.com/recipes/desserts/matrimonial-bar-a-k-a-date-bars/ (may not work)