Date-Oat Bars

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 lb dates (chopped)
  • ½ cup Crisco shortening
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1½ cups flour
  • 1¾ cups oatmeal

In a saucepan, dissolve the sugar into the water to make simple syrup. Mix in the dates (optionally substitute raisins, figs, or dried cherries). Simmer gently until thick.

In a bowl, blend together the shortening, brown sugar, salt, baking soda, flour, and oatmeal.

Line the bottom and sides of a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper. Pat two-thirds of the crumbly oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the lined pan. Press firmly to make the bottom crust. Gently spoon and spread the date filling to completely cover the bottom layer. Sprinkle the remaining third of the crumb mixture on top. Pat gently.

Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Let the pan cool before cutting.