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Thursday, October 14, 2010

Easy Gluten-Free Treat for School Lunches!

Now that the initial excitement of the start of school is over, children will be especially glad for a treat in their lunches. These Gluten-Free Apricot Date Squares are not only delicious, they are also easy to make--so they fit into Mom's busy schedule also ... making them an all-around winner.

Please note that the coconut is completely optional. Also, the apricot jam could be replaced with orange marmalade, if preferred.

Gluten-Free Apricot-Date Squares
1 c. water
1 c. sugar
1 c. chopped dates
1/2 c. apricot jam
1 3/4 c. old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 c. gluten-free all-purpose flour #2 (see recipe in earlier post)
1 c. flaked coconut (opt.)
1 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. cold butter, cubed

In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar and dates. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 min, or until mixture is thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. Stir in apricot jam and set aside.

In a food processor, combine the oats, gluten-free flour, coconut, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Add butter; cover and process until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with cooking spray. Press 3 c. of the mixture into the pan. Spread apricot jam mixture over pressed crumbs. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top and press down gently. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 min, or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack and cut into squares. Makes approx. 3 dozen squares.