Matrimonial Cake

This is an old time favourite confection known to most as Date Squares, my Mom and my Grandma used to make this all the time but used the Western Canadian name of Matrimonial Cake. The recipe modifies well for gluten free results.

Pastry:
2 cups gf oatmeal
2 cups gf biscuit mix

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter

Date Filling:
1/2 pound dates, pitted
2/3 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Pastry
In a large bowl, combine oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.

Spread 3/4 of the crumbs in a 9 x 13 inch cake pan.

Date Filling:
Mix dates, water and sugar together in a saucepan. Cook until thick, stirring frequently.

Remove from heat and add lemon juice.

Allow to cool before using.

Spread over the crumbs in the pan. Sprinkle the remaining crumbs over top of the filling.

Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 minutes.