Nanny’s Best Date Squares

There is a method to my madness in this space, and it’s this; Life in Pleasantville is and always will be a record of my time here for my daughters. Yes, I write with you in mind, but ultimately this is where I hope my children will come to find that favourite recipe I used to make them, or find one of my Mom’s best recipes or to look up a vacation memory. I hope that one day they’ll add to this online journal for their own children. Pretty deep for sharing my mom’s Best Date Squares recipe, isn’t it? But food has that power over us doesn’t it? To evoke strong emotions and bring back a flood of memories.

Part of being a Life Made Delicious ambassador means I get to share some of the very best recipes that make it so. My mom’s dates squares, much like her butter tarts, are one of those recipes that makes me think of her and all the love she poured into the kitchen everyday. I wonder what recipes my children will feel that way about? Maybe someday they’ll tell us right here in Pleasantville.

Nanny’s Best Date Squares

1 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Date Filling

2 cups chopped dates
3/4 cup cold water
2 tbsps brown sugar
grated rind of 1/2 orange (optional)
2 tbsps orange juice (optional)
1 tsp lemon juice

Preheat oven to 325F. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Rub or cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Add sugar and oats. Mix well.

Spread half of crumb mixture in greased, shallow 9″ square pan. Pat mixture until firm and smooth.

Cook dates, water, orange rind, and sugar in small saucepan over medium heat until thick and smooth. Remove from heat and add orange juice if using. Mix well.

Spread date mixture over crumbs in bottom of pan. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes until lightly browned. Cut squares while hot and allow to cool in pan.

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.