Matrimonial Squares

I like to trick myself into thinking that these are healthy, after all they are chocked full of oats and dates. OK...so they have loads of sugar, and margarine to hold them together. These are so quick and easy to bake and they freeze well... and taste great.

Crumb Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup margarine (you can use butter, but it changes the taste in this recipe)

Date Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb pitted dates, chopped
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2/3 cup water
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Method:

1. Stir together all dry ingredients for crust. Cut in margarine until you have a fine crumble.
2. Press half of the crumble into a lightly greased 9x9 cake pan.
3. Place dates, sugar and water in a microwaveable bowl and cook for 1 minute. Stir and cook another minute, or until dates are bubbly and soft. Immediately stir in baking powder and vanilla. Stir well.
4. Pour hot date mixture over crust, and top with remaining crumble.
5. Bake at 350º for 25 minutes.