At book club today, everyone loved the food I made, especially the date bars! Nothing left but crumbs.

They nailed the Rainier cherries picked yesterday. Also loved the chewy-gooey brownies and Chicken-Vegetable-Pasta salad.

Date bars were the star of the show.

Date Bars - Cooking Light

Filling:

1-1/2 cups chopped dates (12 large dates, preferably Medjool)
3/4 cup water
1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Crust and topping:

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour (I use whole wheat pastry flour)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

5 tablespoons chilled light butter (I use regular unsalted butter)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. To make the filling, combine dates and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer until the water is absorbed (about 20 minutes.) Mash dates until smooth.

3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and almond extracts. To prevent a soggy crust, cool the date mixture to room temperature.

4. To make the crust and topping: combine dry ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until mixed. Shred butter with a cheese grater and add to oat mixture. Pulse until crumbly.

5. To assemble, put half of the crust mixture in prepared pan and press with fingertips into a thin, smooth layer. Spoon date filling on top. Gently smooth evenly with the tip of a rubber spatula. Add remaining oat mixture and gently press on top of date mixture.

6. Bake 22-25 minutes or until browned lightly around the edges. Let cool completely. Cut into squares and serve.

Per serving: 150 calories; 2.9 grams fat; 6 mg cholesterol.