Filled Date Bars - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 c. Dole pitted dates, chopped
1 c. Dole raisins
1/3 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. water
3/4 c. margarine, softened
1 c. brown sugar
1 3/4 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c. rolled oats
1/2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt

Preparation

In 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, bring dates, raisins, sugar and water to a boil.
Boil together for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Preheat oven to 375\u00b0.
In large mixing bowl, mix margarine, brown sugar, flour, oats, soda and salt with electric mixer on lowest speed until mixture is crumbly.
Pat half the crumb mixture into a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
Spread the cooked date filling over that, then top with the rest of the crumb mixture, patting it down lightly.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Cool for 15 minutes before cutting.
Makes 15 oblong bars.