Oatmeal Date Bars

• 2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 3 cups chopped dates (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice, optional
• 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk

1. Place oats in a food processor, cover and process until finely ground; set aside. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Combine the oats, flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
2. Divide in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of dough to fit a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan; set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the dates, sugar, water and lemon juice if desired; bring to a boil. Cool for 10 minutes.
4. Spread over crust. Roll remaining dough to fit pan; place over filling and seal edges. Bake at 400u0b0 for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Combine glaze ingredients; spread over bars while warm. Cool on a wire rack before cutting.

quickcooking oats, shortening, sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, dates, sugar, water, lemon juice, sugar, salt, vanilla, milk

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/oatmeal-date-bars/ (may not work)