8 ounces pitted dates, about 1 packed cup
1 cup plus 3 TBSP Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1-3/4 cups Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 lb. Butter, at room temperature
1 Egg
1-1/2 teaspoons Milk
Combine dates, 2 TBSP sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Simmer until dates are soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Beat 1 cup sugar into butter, then egg, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and finally flour mixture. Wrap and chill. Between 2 sheets of waxed paper, roll out half the dough to a 9 inch square and put in a buttered 9 inch pan. Spread with dates. Roll out remaining dough and transfer to pan. Press edges with a fork and cut vents. Brush with milk and sprinkle with 1 TBSP sugar. Bake until golden, about 40 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.