Date Bars

Ingredients

• ¼ cup white granulated sugar
• 3 cups cut-up dates
• 1½ cup water
• ¼ cup shortening
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1¾ cup flour
• 1½ cup quick-cooking oatmeal
• 1 tsp salt

Steps

1. Mix the dates, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
2. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes or until thickened.
3. Cool.
4. Cream together the butter, shortening, and brown sugar in a separate container.
5. Mix the flour, salt, baking soda, and oats into the crumble crust mix.
6. Grease a 13x9-inch pan.
7. Evenly press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the pan.
8. Spread the date filling on top.
9. Evenly place remaining crumble mixture into the pan, pressing lightly.
10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F, or until light brown.
11. Cut into bars while still warm.