Believe it or not, dates squares are known in Western Canada as Matrimonial Cake. This was first brought to my attention by my friend Garth the Galloping Buffoon, who happens to be from Winnipeg, and was confirmed by Internet sources. So, I guess he's right. This recipe is from Edna Staebler's cookbook, Food that Really Schmecks. It tastes better than most, because of the addition of orange (rind and juice). I love these date squares. There's nothing more to say except "I do". 
Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 and 1/2 cups of dates
- 3/4 cup sugar
- rind of one orange, grated
- 1 and 1/2 cup of boiling water (or half water, half orange juice)
Ingredients for the top and bottom of the squares:
- 1 cup of softened butter
- 1 and 1/4 cups of brown sugar
- 1 and 1/2 cups of flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 cups of rolled oats
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Put the dates, rind, sugar and boiling water/juice into a saucepan and gently cook until jam-like in consistency. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together, then add the rest of the dry ingredients, mixing until crumbly. Pat half of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of a buttered 9-inch square pan, spread the date mixture over the base, then cover with the remaining oatmeal mixture. Bake for 45 minutes.
