Almond Oatmeal Date Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup stone-ground whole wheat flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup almond paste
• 2 teaspoons grated Navel orange zest
• ½ cup lightly packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup chopped dates (1/4-inch dice)
• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted
• 1/3 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 1 cup sliced almonds