Date Squares

1/3 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c. whole wheat flour
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 c. water
2 T. vegetable oil
1 egg white
1 t. vanilla
1/2 c. finely chopped pitted dates

Topping:
1/2 c. finely chopped pitted dates
3 T. sugar
1/3 c. orange juice
1/2 t. grated fresh orange peel
1 T. chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly oil an 8" square baking pan or spray with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine the flours, sugar, and baking soda, mixing well. Add water, oil, egg white, vanilla, and dates. Beat on low with an electric mixer until blended. Increase speed to high and beat 3 minutes. Spread mixture in prepared pan.

Bakes 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack.

When cake is cool, combine dates, sugar, orange juice, and orange peel in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat slightly and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes. Spoon over cooled cake. Sprinkle with nuts.

Cut into squares to serve.

Makes 16 servings.

Adapted from The Meatless Gourmet, p. 274.