A Big Pan Of Matrimonial Bars

• FOR THE DATE FILLING:
• 4 cups Finely Chopped Dates (can Substitute Some Chopped Apple For A Milder Flavor)
• 1/2 cups Brown Sugar
• 1/4 cups Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (for 1/4 Cup You'll Need 1 Lemon)
• FOR THE CRUMB CRUST AND TOPPING
• 2-1/2 cups Rolled Oats
• 3-1/2 cups Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 3 cups Brown Sugar
• 3 teaspoons Lemon Zest (zest From 1 Lemon)
• 2 cups Butter, Slightly Softened

1. Place the dates in a large saucepan, and add approximately 2 cups water to cover the dates. Bring to a boil. Add sugar and lemon juice, and simmer for 20 minutes. Continue simmering, stirring and mashing until the mixture is quite thick. Then remove it from the heat.
2. Preheat oven to 325 F.
3. For the crust: In a large bowl stir together the dry ingredients and lemon zest. Then add butter and mix until combined. Pat 2/3 of the crumbs into a 13x18 baking sheet with sides.
4. Spread the date filling over top. Sprinkle with the remaining crumbs and press lightly. Bake for 30 minutes.
5. Cool, slice and serve.

filling, dates, brown sugar, ubc, crumb crust, rolled oats, flour, baking soda, brown sugar, lemon zest, butter

Taken from tastykitchen.com/recipes/desserts/a-big-pan-of-matrimonial-bars/ (may not work)