Date squares

Start cooking opens one step at a time with read-aloud and hands-free voice control — “next”, “repeat”, “how much salt”, “timer 10 minutes”.

1. 1Heat the ovenHeat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan.
2. 2To make the date filing: Combine the dates and water in a medium saucepan over high heat and let come to a boil.
3. 3Lower the heat to low and simmer gently, giving it a stir occasionally until the mixture thickens, around 6 to 8 minutes. Take the pan off the heat, fold in vanilla and let cool. Put to one side.
4. 4Mix together rolled oats, flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a food processor. Pulse 3 times (careful not to overmix, you don’t want the mixture to be powdery, just combined).
5. 5Add butter and pulse again until the mixture is crumbly in pea-sized clumps. Transfer to a mixing bowl to thoroughly mix in the butter.
6. 6Spread half of the oat mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing down to make a flat, equal bottom later. Add the date mixture over the crust and then spread evenly.
7. 7AssembleLayer with the remaining oat mixture and press down to flatten the top layer.
8. 8BakeBake in the centre of the oven until the top is golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving.
9. 9Date Squares keep well, covered in the refrigerator for up to a week, and frozen for 2 to 3 months.