Classic Date Bars - cooking recipe

Ingredients

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

Preparation

Combine dates and water in saucepan; bring to boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes or until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla; reserve.
Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt in bowl; mix well.
Stir in butter.
Spread 2 1/2 cups oat mixture in bottom of 9-inch square pan; press to make firm crust.
Top with date mixture.
Combine nuts and remaining oat mixture; sprinkle over top.
Gently press into filling.
Bake at 350\u00b0 for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Makes 36 bars.