Date Nut Bars

This was a recipe that my sister and I
enjoyed preparing frequently during our
growing up years.  But mom called it
"Matrimonial Cake", a much more
appealing name to young girls than
"Date Nut Bars".  No matter what
the name, it's tasty and good.  It's
sweetness brings back a flood of
memories. . .

2 1/2 cups rolled oats*
1/2 cup brown rice flour (or all-purpose)
1 Tbsp (3 tsp) brown sugar
2 Tbsp additional flour 
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup oil
1/3 cup water


1. Measure dry ingredients into bowl.

2. Measure water and oil into cup. Beat with
fork until the oil is moistened evenly.

3. Let stand while preparing filling.


1 1/2 cups dates or raisins
1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 Tbsp lemon juice


4. Place 2/3 of dry ingredient mixture in the
bottom of a 9 x 9 baking pan. Layer moist
ingredients on top (first the water/oil mixture;
then the date nut mixture).

5. Sprinkle remaining portion of dry mixture
on top.

6. Bake in moderate 350 degree oven until lightly
browned and slightly crisp (25 - 30 minutes).

*use gluten-free oats if necessary