Date and Cinnamon Squares - dates

Method

• Lightly grease a square slab pan.
• Combine dates, water and sugar in pan, bring to boil, simmer uncovered, about 6 minutes or until dates are pulpy and liquid is evaporated.
• Beat butter, rind and sugar in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
• Add egg, beat until combined.
• Stir in sifted dry ingredients, mix to a soft dough.
• Knead dough gently on lightly floured surface until smooth, cover, refrigerate 15 minutes.
• Divide dough in half, press one half evenly over base of prepared pan, spread with date mixture.
• Flatten remaining dough, press evenly over date mixture.
• Brush with milk, sprinkle with extra sugar.
• Prick all over with skewer, bake in moderately hot oven about 25 minutes or until well brown and firm.
• Turn onto wire rack to cool.
• Cut into squares when cold.