Date Slice

This is a cross between a flapjack and a fruit crumble. It's a good alternative to cake, especially if you like dates.

Ingredients:

• 375g ready-to-eat dates, roughly chopped
• 6 tablespoons of orange juice
• 175g porridge oats
• 360g plain flour
• 120g dark brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 240g butter, melted

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
2. Put the dates and orange juice into a saucepan and put on a low heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until soft.
3. While the dates are simmering, mix all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Make sure there are no lumps or uneven bits.
4. Carefully melt the butter and pour it into the bowl with the large ingredients.
5. Mix well until it's got a nice crumbly texture.
6. Put half the crumble mixture into a 23x27cm tin. Press it down with your finger tips so it is in an even layer.
7. Put the date and orange mixture over the top of the crumble mixture in the tin and make sure it is evenly spread. It can be a little tricky to spread without pulling up a few crumbs of the mixture, so don't worry if you do.
8. Top with the remaining crumble mixture and press down firmly with your finger tips.
9. Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
10. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin. Once it is entirely cool use a sharp knife to cut into squares and carefully lift out of the tin.

Makes about 24 pieces.