Layer Date Bars

Dates are so good and they are healthy for you as well.  They are rich in protein, vitamins, and iron. They strengthen your nervous system, lowers cholesterol, improves bone health, promotes digestion and improves your skin.  Of course, eat them in moderation and sometimes that is hard to do. 

My grandfather used to buy me dates to eat as a treat and I really enjoyed eating them. I never knew they were good for me. I just knew they tasted delicious.  We still eat dates for a snack, but we also make this wonderful, tasty Layer Date Bars.

Ingredients

1/2 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
1 3/4 c. quick cooking oatmeal
1 lb. dates, pitted and cut
1 c. sugar
1 c. water

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 9 x 13 inch pan.

In a large sauce pan, cook the dates, sugar and water until it is the consistency of jam. Set aside to cool a bit.

Thoroughly cream shortening and sugar till light and fluffy.

Add salt, soda, flour, and oatmeal. Mix until crumbly. Pat half of the mixture in prepared pan. Do not pack it down hard or the layer will be hard.

Spread the date filling over the crumbly mixture in the pan.

Sprinkle the remaining half of the crumbly mixture over the dates. Again, only pat the top layer down so it is evenly spread over the top. 

Bake for 30 minutes.

Makes about 20 bars.