Nani’s Warming Date Crumble Squares Recipe!

Makes 16 date squares:

For the Filling:

• 425 g Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
• 250 ml water
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

For the Crumble

• 175 g oats
• 150 g plain flour
• 160 g soft light brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 170g salted butter, softened

Method:

1. With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Grease and line a 20-cm (8-inch) square baking dish with a strip of non-stick baking paper, allowing it to overhang at both sides.
2.  In a saucepan (preferably non-stick) bring the dates, water, lemon juice, and brown sugar to a boil. Add the baking soda and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, or until the dates have fallen apart. Allow it to cool.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the crumble.  In a mixing bowl, add the oats, flour, brown sugar, and baking powder. Stir to combine. Add the butter and stir well into a thick mixture.
4. Spread half the crumble mixture into the base of the baking dish and press firmly. Spread with the date mixture on top and spread evenly. Cover with the remaining crumble and press lightly to even out. Bake for 55 minutes or until the crisp is golden brown and remove from the oven.
5. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before removing from the baking tray and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
6. Once it is cool enough to handle, cut into 16 squares. Beware as the date jam is hot! Serve warm, but only after checking that the filling had reduced to a safe temperatuee.
7. Serve warm with a cup of tea or Bosnian Hot Chocolate!