Sticky Date Bars

These contain fruit so they're good for you, right?! They're also deliciously sticky and chewy and moreish. They're a bit like fig rolls but in a good way.

For about 16 bars you need:
250ml water
200g chopped, stoned dates
175g plain flour
1/2 tsp bicarb
175g soft light brown sugar
100g oats
pinch salt
175g butter, diced (or soya marge for a vegan version)

Begin by putting the water and dates into a pan and bringing to the boil. Cook for about 10 minutes and then puree so the mix is very thick and smooth. Blitz the butter and flour till it resembles breadcrumbs and then mix in the bicarb, sugar, salt and oats.
Press half the oat mixture into a lined tin, top with the date puree and then sprinkle over the remaining mixture, pressing down lightly with your fingers.
Bake for about 40 mins till golden brown and set. Allow to cool completely, then turn out of the tin, cut into squares and scoff.