Grated zest & juice of 1 lemon
2 c. pitted dates, about 12 oz.
1 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. flour
3/4 c. old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
8 tbsp. butter

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine zest, juice, dates, 1/2 cup of the sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook until dates are very soft, about 15 minutes. Cool slightly. Add nutmeg and puree in a blender or food processor.

Butter and flour a 9" square baking pan. Combine flour, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, the oats, soda and salt. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture and press remaining crumbs into bottom of the prepared pan. Spread date filling on top to within 1/8" of the edge. Sprinkle reserved crumbs on top and lightly press into the date filling. Bake until golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely before cutting. Yield: 16 squares.