Dates

Pumpkin Date Nut Bars

1/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup canola oil
1 egg
3/4 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350*F degrees. Spray 8-inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until smooth.
Spread batter in prepared baking pan, and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes.
Let bars cool completely in pan before cutting. www.carrotsncake.com/

Oatmeal Date Bars

1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 egg white

In a small saucepan, combine the dates, water and sugar. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until mixture is thickened, stirring constantly.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir in the butter and egg white until blended. Pat half of the mixture into an 8-in. square baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Carefully spread with date mixture. Gently pat remaining oat mixture over date mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. 

Date Nut Pinwheel Cookies

Filling:
1 1/2 cup of chopped pitted dates
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
1 cup chopped pecans

Dough:
2 cups of flour (any variety)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup sugar (or less)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup of butter (or 1/4 butter, 1/4 milk)
2 eggs

In a saucepan over medium heat, add the chopped dates, 1/2 cup of sugar, water and melted pecans.  In a mixer add butter, sugar and brown sugar and mix until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla and beat until thoroughly mixed. Add flour, baking soda and salt and mix well.  Refrigerate for about an hour.  After an hour roll the dough on a floured surface.  Spread the date mixture evenly over the dough.  Roll the dough jelly-roll style and trim the edges off.  Brush off any excess flour.  With a knife cut into 1/4 inch rolls and place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until golden brown.