Best Date Bars - cooking recipe

Ingredients

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

Preparation

In saucepan, combine dates, sugar and water.
Cook, stirring frequently, until very thick.
Stir in walnuts; cool.
Meanwhile, sift flour, salt and soda together in a mixing bowl; add oats and brown sugar.
Cut in margarine until crumbly.
Sprinkle water over mixture; stir lightly.
Pat half into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
Spread with date mixture.
Cover with remaining oat mixture and pat lightly.
Bake at 350\u00b0 for 35 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cool and cut into bars.
Yield:
40 bars.