Sugar-Coated Date Temptations

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Sugar-Coated Date Temptations

 

8 ozs. chopped pitted dates

2 strips orange zest, 1/2 by 2 inches long

6 tbsps. very hot water

2 cups confectioners' sugar

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 pinch salt

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a 9-inch square baking

pan.

2. Finely chop the dates and orange zest in a food processor. With the motor

running, gradually add the hot water to moisten the dates. Transfer to a

large bowl.

3. Add 1 cup of the confectioners' sugar, the eggs, oil and lemon juice.

Beat with a wooden spoon until blended. Add the flour, cinnamon and salt,

stir until blended.

4. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until

the edges begin to pull away from the side of the pan. Cool on a wire rack

before cutting into bars.

5. Place the remaining 1 cup confectioners' sugar on a plate. Roll the bars

in the sugar to coat them. These keep especially well.

Yields 18 bars.