Date Square (Matrimonial Cake)

*DATE SQUARES*
Date Squares or known in Western Canada as Matrimonial Cake is a popular date filled rolled oat squares.

DATE FILLING
1/2 lb.	Pitted dates, chopped	250 g
2 tbsp	Brown sugar	25 mL
1/2 cup	Water	125 mL
1 tbsp	Lemon juice	15 mL
CRUMB MIXTURE
1-1/2 cups	All-purpose flour, sifted	375 mL
1 tsp	Baking soda	5 mL
1/4 tsp	Salt	1 mL
3/4 cup	Butter, softened	175 mL
1 cup	Packed brown sugar	250 mL
1-1/2 cups	Rolled oats	375 mL
Preheat oven to 325°F [160°C] DATE FILLING In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the dates, water, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, and cook until soft enough to be mashed with a fork (about 5 minutes). The mixture should be the consistency of jam. Stir in lemon juice, and remove from heat. Set aside to cool. CRUMB MIXTURE In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Cut in butter, add brown sugar and rolled oats. Mix until crumbly. ASSEMBLE Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a 8 inch [2 L] greased square pan. Cover evenly with cooled date filling. Then cover with remaining crumb mixture and pat until smooth. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a lightly browned.