Date Squares

INGREDIENTS

1 cup dates
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 egg whites
1 cup brown sugar


DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the dates and water in a medium bowl and allow dates to soak, stirring occasionally, until the dates are soft and have absorbed most of the water (it should be ready to puree around the time your crust is baked). Let cool to room temperature and then puree in your food processor until smooth. Set aside.

Cream butter and sugar together until well blended. Add the yolks and vanilla; continue to beat until light and fluffy.

In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients. If necessary, use your hands to mix all ingredients, but do not over beat. Press evenly into bottom of a greased 9x13 pan.

Spread the dates evenly over the crust.

Whip whites to soft peaks, while gradually adding brown sugar. Spread evenly over the date layer and bake for 35 minutes. Cut in squares and serve.