Polynesian Bars - cooking recipe

Ingredients

Filling
2 cups chopped dates
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups crushed pineapple (about 1 can)
Crust
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup oil

Preparation

Combine filling ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to low boil, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Continue to stir/cook until mixture reaches a thick consistency and the dates have absorbed the juice.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Then, in a medium-large bowl, combine ingredients for the crust. Once mixed fully, it will be crumbly, but slightly sticky.
Press about half of the crust mixture into a 9x13 inch pan. Top with the filling, then crumble the remainder of the crust mixture atop the filling.
Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Allow to cool thoroughly before cutting.