1. Prepare the dates:  in a pan soften the grated dates with 4 tbsp water and 1 tbsp olive oil for 5 minutes, stirring every so often.
   
2. Prepare the dough:  in a large bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar and vanilla flavouring till pale.
   
3. Fold in the flour, baking powder and milk and mix to form a ball.
4. Pre-heat oven to 180°.
5. Take ½ the dough and roll out into a rectangle 3mm thick on a sheet of baking parchment 30X40cm.  Spread the date mixture over it.  Crumble the remaining pastry over the top and press down lightly with the flat of your hand.
6. Cook for 30minutes.
7. After removing from the oven, sprinkle with icing-sugar.
8. When cold cut into squares or rectangles.

Variation:  Flavour the dates with 1 tsp ground cinnamon.

See Recipe of Date crescents.