Sugar Coated Date Temptations

these are chewy moist bars

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 18

Ingredients

• 8  ounces  chopped pitted dates
• 1  teaspoon  grated orange zest
• 6  tablespoons  very hot water
• 2  cups powdered sugar
• 2  large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 1  tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1⁄2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1  pinch salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350*.Lightly butter a 9" square pan.
2. Finely chop the dates and orange zest in a food processor.
3. With the motor running, gradually add the hot water to moisten the dates. Transfer to a large bowl.
4. Add 1 cup of the powdered sugar, the eggs, oil and lemon juice.
5. Beat with a wooden spoon until blended. Add the flour, cinnamon and salt, stir until blended.
6. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or unti the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
7. Cool on wire rack before cutting into bars.
8. Place the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugra on a plate and roll the bars in the sugar to coat them.
9. These keep especially well.