Date Nut Bars

We cook and bake a lot with dates because they are incredibly sweet. Unlike sugar, which is just sweet, dates are sweet and have a wonderful flavor. This dish makes a tasty and satisfying bar that can be eaten any time of the day.

Even with just a few ingredients, these bars can easily stand on their own. However, I can't help but think about adding some dark chocolate or cranberries...

Date Nut Bars

Ingredients

1 c dates, cut in half and pitted

1 c pecan halves

1 c rolled oats (not instant)

pinch of salt

1 t vanilla extract

1 T honey or brown rice syrup

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a glass 8x8 baking dish lightly with oil.

2. Place all ingredients in a food processor. Process until the pieces are all finely chopped and well mixed together. Add a little water if the dough is dry and doesn't hold together.

3. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.