Date Squares (Matrimonial Cake)

Date squares have been a favourite of both my husband's family and mine for many years.    I knew that they have also in the past been referred to as Matrimonial Cake, but just recently found some history on that name.

Know as Matrimonial Cake in some parts of western Canada, the wedding-related names given to the dessert made up of both smooth and rough textures are said to reflect the contrast between the easy and difficult times of marriage.

Having past our 34th wedding anniversary I like (and understand) the description of the Matrimonial Cake.
Hope you like these bars, a recipe from my tattered old Five Roses Flour cookbook.

Filling:

1 lb pitted dates, chopped
1/2 cup hot water
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4  cup brown sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
zest of 1/2 orange
1 tsp vanilla

1  1/2 cups flour
1  1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup butter or margarine

Prepare filling.  Combine dates, hot water, orange juice, brown sugar, lemon juice and zest in a saucepan.  Cook over medium heat until dates are soft and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Let cool.

Meanwhile prepare the crumble.  Combine dry ingredients together in a bowl.  Work butter in with 2 knives or better yet a pastry blender until crumbly.  

Spread half the mixture in bottom of a greased 9" square pan and pat down firmly.  Cover with date filling.  Pat down remaining mixture on top. 

Bake at 375 F for 30 minutes.
Cool in pan and cut into squares.

I always double this one!  Freezes well too.