Matrimonial Date Squares

Gerry's Note:

This is a very old recipe, a delicious golden oldie which remains one of my favorites to serve family and friends. A favorite at coffee hour and potlucks as well.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 16

FILLING

• 1 lb dates
• 1 cup cold water
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice (can use realemon)

CRUMB MIX

IN A LARGE BOWL

• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups margarine
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 2 1/4 cups oatmeal (I use Quaker Oats)

Directions:

1. FILLING.
2. In pot over medium heat bring cold water and dates to a boil, and simmer two minutes, until dates nicely softened.
3. Add Brown sugar, simmer until sugar is dissolved.
4. Remove from heat, blend in the orange and lemon juice and set aside while making crumb crust.
5. CRUMB CRUST.
6. In large bowl put in the flour, soda, baking powder, salt and blend with a whisk to mix.
7. Add the brown sugar and rub in the margarine with the tips of fingers to mix.
8. Add the oatmeal and mix well.
9. ASSEMBLY.
10. Spread and pat half the crumbs in bottom of a greased 9x13 pan, saving the other half for the top.
11. Cover base with cool date filling and spread evenly.
12. Top with the rest of crumb mix.
13. Bake at 325 for 30- 35 minutes or (until top nice and gold).
14. Servings will depend on on the size of slice you wish to serve, small for the dainty tray or large and generous for dessert.

Reviews

[andypandy]

I usually always make my bars by memory but decided to follow your recipe . I am glad I did, came out very nice and not overly sweet at all. I did use the dark brown sugar Walmart brand that I had on hand it seems to have more molasses than others, and it worked out great. I also added some cinnamon to my crust. Oh and used a tsp zest in with the dates also. I will make these again I am sure many times.

[flygirl #5]

Excellent! Made exactly as directed, didn't change a thing. Quick and easy to put together!!! Thanks again :) Made for PAC 2010.

[Marmie's]

This seriously brought back some fond memories! Thank you for posting this, I could not find my very old recipe and thought I would try this out. Very rich and satisfying. (I don't even have a sweet tooth) The lemon added a little something. Yummy