Date-Pecan Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
2. 2
   Simmer dates in 3/4 cup water in saucepan over medium heat 10 minutes, or until water is absorbed and mixture is jam-like.
3. 3
   Stir in vanilla, and set aside.
4. 4
   Whisk together flour, sugar, xanthan gum, if using, and salt in bowl.
5. 5
   Whisk together oil, egg, and egg white in separate bowl.
6. 6
   Stir oil mixture into flour mixture.
7. 7
   Transfer 1/2 cup dough to small bowl, and add pecans; work with fingertips to make crumbly mixture.
8. 8
   Press remaining dough into bottom of prepared pan.
9. 9
   Spread date mixture on top, and sprinkle with pecan mixture.
10. 10
    Bake 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. 11
    Cut into 8 bars.