Date Squares - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup butter, chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
1 None large egg, beaten lightly
1 tbsp milk
1 tbsp raw sugar
None None FOR THE APPLE AND DATE FILLING
2 tsp sugar
1 None apple, peeled, thinly sliced
8 oz pitted dried dates, roughly chopped

Preparation

Grease a 10x12 inch rimmed baking tray. Line base and 2 long sides with parchment paper, extending paper 3/4 inch above edges of pan.
Sift flour into a large bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in sugar then mix in egg and enough water (about 1 tbsp) to form a firm dough. Transfer to a floured work surface and knead until smooth. Cover and chill for 30 mins.
To make the apple and date filling, combine sugar, apple, dates and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Simmer, covered, for 5 mins, or until pulpy. Blend or process until smooth then let cool.
Preheat oven to 400\u00b0F. Roll out 1/2 the dough until large enough to cover base of prepared pan. Spread filling over base. Roll out remaining dough until large enough to cover filling and place over filling. Seal and trim edges. Brush with milk and sprinkle with raw sugar. Bake for 25 mins, or until golden brown.
Let cool in pan before cutting. Sprinkle with extra sugar.