Date Squares with a Hint of Orange (Refined Sugar Free)

I asked my oldest what she wanted to make as a treat to bring to Opa and Oma's house.  Her pick was date squares, a big family favourite by us and our extended family.   You could omit the essential oil and use zest instead.  We don't prefer our date squares very sweet as we find dates sweet enough but feel free to adjust stevia and honey if desired.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups dates
• 1/3 cup water
• 1-3 drop orange essential oil (depending on desired taste)
• 5-7 drops liquid stevia (optional)
• 2 cups gluten free quick oats
• 1/3 cup tapioca or arrowroot starch
• 1/3 cup sorghum flour or buckwheat flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons psyllium husk
• 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds soaked in 1/4 cup water for 1 minute
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons coconut oil, ghee or grass fed butter
• 1/3 cup honey, maple syrup or palm sugar

Directions

1. In a small sauce pan heat dates and water and simmer for 2 minutes.  Puree until smooth and add in orange essential oil and stevia.
2. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a 9 x 9 baking dish.
3. Combine oats,starch, sorghum, psyllium husk, flax, salt and baking soda into a mixing bowl.  
4. Add oil and honey and stir to fully combine.
5. Take half of the dough and press into prepared dish,
6. Spread date mixture over top of dough.
7. Add remaining dough on top of dates pressing lightly but ensure you don't mix the date layer into the top layer.
8. Bake in prepared oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
9. Cool on wire rack and cut into squares.