Maple Date Bars

• 1 3/4 cups finely chopped pitted dates (about 12 ounces)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (about 4 1/2 ounces)
• 1 cup regular oats
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• Cooking spray

Preparation

1. Combine dates, water, and maple syrup in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; cook 12 minutes or until most liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently. (Mixture will look like jam.) Stir in rind; cool completely.
2. Preheat oven to 400°.
3. Beat sugar and butter with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir flour mixture into sugar mixture (mixture will be crumbly). Press 2 cups flour mixture into bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Spread date mixture over flour mixture. Sprinkle with remaining flour mixture. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.