Fabulous Whole Grain Date Bars

These date bars are another memory from the past. I remember my mom making date bars that came in a package. I loved them. It was funny, I was talking to my sister, and she brought them up too. At the time I didn't even like dates, but I really liked the bars. Now I really like dates. I love the natural sweetness they add to food. You can add a lot less sugar because of the natural sweetness. Dates have a lot of health benefits too. The key is it they still have sugar and calories, so don't over do. Just like anything keep things in balance.
This is what the date mixture looks like when you spread it.

This is the mixture dropped on top. I let it cook 5- 10 min and then got a fork and spread the mixture around.


Ingredients:

2 C dates soften in 1/3 C water till soft.
2 T hot water
1/4 C fresh orange juice
2 T honey
1/3 C coconut oil
1/3 C honey
1 egg
3/4 C whole grain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 3/4 C Old Fashioned Oatmeal
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 C coconut shredded unsweetened

Directions: Heat oven to 350

1. Grease a 8x8 square pan. Combine dates, honey, OJ, and hot water. In the blender for 2 min. Till all combined and creamy. Set aside.

2. Beat together coconut oil, honey, until creamy. Then add egg and beat till smooth. Stir in flour and baking powder. Then blend in oatmeal, and make into a soft dough. Scoop out 1 cup of the dough.
3. With oil on your fingers press the remaining dough in a thin layer, on the bottom of the pan.

4. Then spread the date mixture on top of the dough.

5. With the reserved cup of dough scoop it on top of the date mixture. I then put it in the oven about 5-10 min, or when soft, and spread the dough with a fork so it was all evenly spread. Then cook until lightly golden on top. Total Baking time about 20-30 min.