Ingredients
2-1/2 cups pitted dates, cut up1/4 cup sugar1-1/2 cups water1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, optional1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon baking soda1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats1 cup packed brown sugar1/2 cup butter, softened1 tablespoon water
Preparation
In a saucepan, combine dates, sugar and water. Cook, stirring frequently, until very thick. Stir in walnuts, if desired; cool.
Sift the flour, salt and baking soda together in a large bowl; add oats and brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle water over mixture; stir lightly. Pat half into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Spread with date mixture; cover with remaining oat mixture and pat lightly.
Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
