Date Bars

INGREDIENTS

For the Crust and Crumb Topping

• 2 sticks real butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups quick or old fashioned oats, (I use quick)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Date Filling

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) chopped pitted dates
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water

---

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

For the Crust and Crumb Topping

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the butter and brown sugar with a wooden spoon until light and creamy.  Add the dry ingredients and mix well.  Set aside.

For the Date Filling

1. Add the dates, sugar, and water to a two-quart pan. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring constantly until mixture has thickened.
2. Using your hands or a spatula, press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9″ x 13″ pan. Spread the date filling over the crumb mixture. Crumble the remaining crumb topping over the filling and lightly pat the topping into the filling with your hand.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the date bars are light golden brown. Cool for 15 minutes. Cut into bars while warm.
4. Store in an airtight container. Bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days.