Maple Date Bars

Maple Date Bars

1 3/4 cups finely chopped pitted dates (about 12 ounces)
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

2/3 cup sugar
6 ounces or 3/4 cup or 1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (about 6 3/4 ounces)
1 1/2 cups regular oats
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt


In a saucepan, combine dates, water, and maple syrup in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Gently cook for 12 minutes or until most liquid is absorbed, stir frequently.  Stir in lemon zest; cool completely.

Preheat oven to 400°. Grease a 13 x 9 pan. 

In a large bowl beat sugar and butter with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir flour mixture into sugar mixture (mixture will be crumbly). Press 2 cups flour mixture into bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Evenly spoon date mixture over flour mixture. Sprinkle with remaining flour mixture. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

These are the crazy busy last few days of summer.  Trying to pack the last bits in before its time for school.  The last of the relatively unscheduled days.  The last bits of carefree summer.  The last moments of homework free evenings.  Its bittersweet.  I look forward to some quiet time in the Fall when I can have a few moments to think or get projects done uninterrupted. Or not hearing so much bickering. Contrarily, I am saddened about my kids not being here.  About our time being very scheduled and little time for fun and play. 

Here are some of our last summer bits!  Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls and Niagara Falls, Canadian side.