Classic Date Bars

• 1 (8 oz.) pkg. dates, chopped
• 1/2 c. water
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 1/2 c. oats
• 1 1/2 c. flour
• 1 c. firmly packed brown sugar
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 c. butter, melted (1 1/2 sticks)
• 1/2 c. finely chopped nuts

1. Combine dates and water in saucepan; bring to boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes or until thickened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla; reserve.
4. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt in bowl; mix well.
5. Stir in butter.
6. Spread 2 1/2 cups oat mixture in bottom of 9-inch square pan; press to make firm crust.
7. Top with date mixture.
8. Combine nuts and remaining oat mixture; sprinkle over top.
9. Gently press into filling.
10. Bake at 350u0b0 for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Makes 36 bars.

dates, water, vanilla, oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, butter, nuts

Taken from www.cookbooks.com/Recipe-Details.aspx?id=169381 (may not work)