Guest Post: Cherry Date Bars from Cooking is a Whim

Hello to the friends of One Artsy Mama! My name is Tina and I can be found at Cooking is a Whim. This is my first invitation to guest post and when Amy presented the opportunity to me, I was so excited! And then I was very nervous.. Trying to think of just the right recipe when the world seems so full of them, except for when you need just one... I'm a wife and a mom to a little girl that is just over a year-and-a-half old. I love to spend time in the kitchen, explore the outdoors and if it were up to my little one, we would spend hours playing peek-a-boo! And, just like Amy, I have a huge weak spot for Starbucks!

My family.

 Today, I wanted to make date bars to share with family that we have staying with us. I wasn't finding quite the recipe that I was looking for, so when all else failed, I just created my own. And with a cup of coffee or just on their own, I do say that I now have a favorite recipe!

Cherry Date Bars

1 container (10 ounces) chopped dates

1 cup dried cherries, chopped
1-1/2 cups water
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, melted
GLAZE:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk or orange juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a small saucepan, combine the dates, cherries and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 4 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla.    Combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir in butter. Pat half of the mixture into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan.

   Bake at 350° for 8 minutes. Spoon date mixture over crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture. Pat gently. Bake 25-30 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool. Combine glaze ingredients and drizzle over top.
Makes: 2 dozen bars.

I hope that you give this recipe a try and thank you Amy, for having me over to your page! And if you're interested in visiting me, you can find me here: Cooking is a Whim. I most often post a recipe or two that helps me get through the work week with a bit more ease, a weekend breakfast treat or a mid-day snack. Thank you for letting me visit with you and I'd love to have you check out my page!