1. Line a square 8x8 or 9x9 pan with parchment paper, or use silicone pan. Set aside. 2. Make the date paste: In a small bowl soak dates in warm water for 5 minutes. If dates are fresh and juicy, no need to soak. If dates have been stored in fridge or feel dry, soak. Remove pits from dates and place in small blender or food processor. Process dates have broken down and paste forms. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender cup or bowl, and add 1 tablespoon of water to get the dates moving. 1 cup packed dates should yield roughly 1/2 cup date paste. 3. Add all dry ingredients to large bowl. 4. Combine date paste and nut/seed butter (your choice) together before combining with rest of dry ingredients. Mixture will be thick and sticky. 5. Transfer mixture to prepared pan pressing evenly into all four corners. Transfer pan to freezer for 15 minutes to chill bars – this will make them easier to cut. 6. Remove bars from pan and place on cutting board. Using large sharp knife, cut oat bars into 16 squares. Drizzle with peanut butter if desired. Enjoy!