A DATE WITH HONEY Recipe

Preheat oven to 1801Ž4C, 3501Ž4F, gas mark 4. Soak the dates in 90ml (6tbsp) boiling water and set aside. In a large mixing bowl rub together the flour, baking powder and margarine until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then add the oats. Use the honey to bind the mixture. Press just over half the mixture into the base of a 28cmx28cm (7"x7") square tin. Tip the dates with the liquid into a food processor, add the orange rind and whizz until purZüed. Spread the purZüed mixture over the oaty base and top with the remaining oat mixture (this will not completely cover the top). Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin. When cool dust with icing sugar and cut into squares.
Serving suggestion: Serve either on it's own as a teatime treat, or with a scoop of vanilla icecream for a scrumptious dessert. Makes 9 squares