Sourdough Molasses-Date Bars

Preparation : 1. In a large bowl allow the starter to warm up and become active. It should stand at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours.

Then add the beaten egg, softened butter, brown sugar and molasses. Beat thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Next, put in the salt, cinnamon and baking soda. Sift in the flour. Beat the batter until it is lump-free.

Roll the chopped dates in the 2 tablespoons of flour or mix them with the flour in a bowl so they do not stick together. Gently stir them into the beaten batter.

Pour the batter into a well greased 9-inch square pan and bake in a preheated 375F oven for about 30 minutes or until the batter tests done when poked with a toothpick.

Allow to cool slightly before cutting into bars, then finish cooling on wire racks and sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Like most sourdough products, these bars taste much better cold than they do while still warm from the oven.