Date Squares!

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350F and grease a square 8x8 baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper (this makes sure the squares won't stick to the bottom on the pan)
2. 2
   For the filling, in a saucepan bring the dates, water, lemon juice and brown sugar to a boil, add baking soda and let it simmer for 5 minutes (you should have a thickened date mixture and all the dates will have broken apart) take off heat and let it cool while preparing the crisp
3. 3
   In a large bowl combine together all ingredients except butter and mix these together well
4. 4
   Cut in the butter and mix together until you have a crumbled mixture
5. 5
   Firmly pack half of this mixture to the bottom of your pan
6. 6
   Next layer on all the cooled date filling
7. 7
   And sprinkle the remaining crisp on top and once all evenly coated, very gently press down to pack it a bit
8. 8
   Bake for about 20 minutes or until the top looks golden brown
9. 9
   Let it sit and cool for several hours before cutting the bars or they may fall apart if you cut them too soon!
10. 10
    Enjoy!