Delicious Date Bars

Hello Dearies! I really should be doing other things right now like packing boxes (smile), however, I wanted to quickly post these wonderful date bars. This label of 'wonderful' is not only granted due to the deliciousness of these bars but because of their healthful qualities. Plus, they are so easy to make! Cauldron Boy has already requested another batch, but he's going to have to wait on that one for at least a day or two, as we are at least supposed to be packing for our move;)

Here's the recipe:

Delicious Date Bars-Makes 9 Bars

1 Cup Dates (packed)

3 Tbsp. Honey

3/4 Cup Water

1/4 Tsp. Cinnamon

Pinch of Cloves

3/4 Cup Organic Spelt Flour

3/4 Cup Organic Rolled Oats (not instant)

1/4 Tsp. Baking Powder

1/8 Tsp. Sea Salt

1/4 Tsp. Cinnamon

1/8 Tsp. Cloves

4 Tbsp. Earth Balance or Organic Butter

3 1/4 Tbsp. Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup*

*Honey will not work here, as it is too thick.

Preheat the oven to 395 degrees & grease an 8 by 8 inch Pyrex baking dish.

In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, salt, powder, and spices-mix. Work the cold butter in with your hands till it looks like you have a pea like texture. Add the agave nectar and stir with a fork-the liquidity of the nectar or syrup will moisten the mixture enough for it to press out nicely. Take a little over half of the mixture and spread it out evenly in the bottom of your greased pan. Press down with your hands. Keep the rest of the crumble mix set aside in the bowl.

In a small pan or pot (not a medium or large one, as your water will steam off too quickly), place the water, dates, and honey. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir and bring the heat down to a low simmer. Use a wooden spoon to break down the dates while stirring for about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the heat. Note: do not over cook or your dates won't spread. You want this concoction to look like a moist date frosting.

Dollop the date spread over the pressed crust in your pan and smooth it out evenly with a wet icing spatula. Now take the rest of the crumb mix and spread it over the pan. Lightly pat it to make sure it sticks to the date layer below. Place in the oven and cook for 15-17 minutes or until golden.

Allow to cool for at least a couple of hours on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy!