Date Crumbles

First prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan combine and gently boil
until thickened (about 10 minutes):

12 oz pkg dates, chopped
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp cocoa
2 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla
1 1/4 cups boiling water

Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the crumble mixture.
In a large bowl toss together:

2 tsp baking powder
2 cups oats (large)
1 cup unsweetened coconut
2 cups flour
1 cup brown sugar
Using your hands, rub thoroughly through the dry ingredients:
1 1/2 cups butter, cut in small cubes.

Divide crumble mixture in half and press half into the bottom of a 9x13
inch greased baking pan. Spread date mixture over the base. Top with
remaining crumb mixture, breaking it into small pieces with your fingers.
Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees F. This is a very good basic recipe but
I have also had very good variations of date crumbles over the years.

Orange Date Crumbles: Substitute orange juice for the water in the filling
and add the zest of a medium orange.
Cocoa Date Crumbles: Add 2 Tbsp cocoa to the filling.
Hazelnut or Almond Date Crumbles: Prepare filling as usual. Add 1/2 cup
ground
Almonds or Hazelnuts plus 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp nutmeg to the
crumble.

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