Best Date Bars

• 2 1/2 c. pitted dates, cut up
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 1 1/2 c. water
• 1/3 c. coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 1/4 c. flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 1/2 c. quick cooking oats
• 1 c. brown sugar
• 1/2 c. margarine, softened
• 1 Tbsp. water

1. In saucepan, combine dates, sugar and water.
2. Cook, stirring frequently, until very thick.
3. Stir in walnuts; cool.
4. Meanwhile, sift flour, salt and soda together in a mixing bowl; add oats and brown sugar.
5. Cut in margarine until crumbly.
6. Sprinkle water over mixture; stir lightly.
7. Pat half into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
8. Spread with date mixture.
9. Cover with remaining oat mixture and pat lightly.
10. Bake at 350u0b0 for 35 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned.
11. Cool and cut into bars.
12. Yield:
13. 40 bars.

dates, sugar, water, walnuts, flour, salt, baking soda, cooking oats, brown sugar, margarine, water

Taken from www.cookbooks.com/Recipe-Details.aspx?id=179175 (may not work)