Whole-Wheat Date Bars Recipe

3 cups whole-wheat flour
¼ cup semolina
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons ground fennel
2 tablespoons ground anise
1 tablespoon anise seeds
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons rose water
1 cup 1% milk, at room temperature

Date Filling:

1½ package pressed dates*
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Before you begin: Wash your hands.

1. To make the dough, mix all dry ingredients (up to the anise seeds) in a medium-size bowl. Add egg and vanilla and incorporate with your fingers.
2. Add oil and rose water and continue to incorporate with your fingers. Pour in milk and knead until you have a uniform dough ball. Divide in half.
3. To prepare the filling, place pressed dates in a microwave-safe bowl. Add cinnamon and olive oil. Microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or until soft. Then, knead until all ingredients are blended together.
4. Brush a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
5. Separate dough in half; flatten half the dough on your kitchen counter or work surface until it's big enough to cover the dish. Then, flatten all of the dates and place on top of the dough. Repeat with the second half of the dough and place on top of the date layer. Use a roller and parchment paper, especially for the dates, to keep it from sticking on your surface.
6. Cut into 20 bars diagonally or whichever shape you prefer.
7. Bake at 350°F (176°C) for 45 minutes. Broil on low for a few minutes until golden.
8. Serve hot, warm or cold.

Cooking Note