Date Crumb Squares

Directions

1. 1
   The day before, soak the dates in 1 cup of water to soften.
2. 2
   Drain, put the dates in a food processor, and process until smooth.
3. 3
   Preheat the oven to 350F
4. 4
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, and walnuts or pecans and mix together well.
5. 5
   In another bowl, blend together the safflower oil, maple syrup, almond extract, and sea salt.
6. 6
   Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and mix well.
7. 7
   Press half of the mixture into a greased 12 x 6-inch baking pan.
8. 8
   Spread the pureed dates over the mixture, top with the remaining half of the flour mixture, and press down lightly.
9. 9
   Bake for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
10. 10
    Let cool and cut into squares.