DATE OAT BARS

Adapted from the Kitchn

Ingredients:

Filling:
10 oz medjool dates, pitted and cut into small pieces
1/2 c water
1/4 t salt
1 t vanilla extract

Base and topping:
2 c rolled oats, divided
8 T butter (1 stick), (bring to room temperature in a medium mixing bowl)
1/4 t salt
2 T ground flax seeds
1/4 t toasted nuts


Methodology:

Heat the dates, water and 1/4 t salt in a saucepan until simmering, and then cook until thickened.  Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool for 30 minutes.  Once cool, transfer 3 T to the bowl with the butter.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.  Grease a 9"x9" pan and set aside.

Meanwhile, blend 1 c of oats in a high-speed blender until flour forms, 1-2 minutes.  Add to the dates and butter in the mixing bowl, and mix with the whole oats, salt and ground flax seeds.  Press all but 3/4 c into the bottom of the baking dish.  Top with the date filling.

Briefly break up the nuts in the blender and add to the remaining mixture in the bowl.  Mix.  Crumble this over the date filling.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping looks toasted.  Remove, cool and enjoy.