This is a great recipe which was found many years ago by my mum and the citrusy treats taste just as good today as they did back then.

Ingredients: (Yield: 3 dozen)

• 1¾ cups chopped dates
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

CRUST:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold butter
• 1½ cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup packed brown sugar

Method:

In a small saucepan, combine the dates, water, brown sugar and orange peel. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil, about 4 minutes. Cook and stir 3 minutes longer or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat. Stir in orange and lemon juices. Cool to room temperature.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add oats and brown sugar; mix well. Set aside half for the topping. Press remaining crumb mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan.

Drop date mixture by small spoonfuls onto crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture; press down gently. Bake at 325° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.