A festive date and pecan cookie bar flavored with rum.

Chewy Date Bars

1 cup chopped dates
2 tablespoons rum
2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chopped pecans
3 tablespoons powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine chopped dates and rum.
3. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat eggs until frothy. Gradually beat in sugar until fluffy. With the mixer on low speed, beat in flour and baking powder until blended. Stir in chopped pecans and the date/rum mixture.
4. Pour into a greased and floured 8-inch pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is just set. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
5. Turn out onto a cutting board and dust with powdered sugar before cutting into bars.

Makes 16 bars.