Date Squares

Filling: 
2 cups pitted dates, roughly chopped
1/2 cup (juice from 1 lemon + enough water to make 1/2 cup)
1/4 tsp salt
1-1.5 tsp lemon zest

Crust:
2 cups quick oats
1 cup unbleached flour
1/4 cup unrefined sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla

For Filling: Over medium heat combine dates, water, lemon juice w/ water, and salt. Cook 8-10 minutes until dates break down and smooth out. Remove from heat and add zest.

For Crust: Combine dry ingredients in large bowl. In small bowl combine maple syrup, canola oil and vanilla. Add wet to dry, until well combined. Put 2/3 of mixture in lightly oiled 8x8 pan & press in. Pour date mixture on top and sprinkle remaining crust mixture and press down gently.

Bake 28-32 minutes until golden brown.