Matrimonial Bars

By lschull

Ingredients

• 3 cups cut-up dates
• 1/4 cup sugar (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. soda
• 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats

Preparation

Step 1

Combine dates, sugar (if using) and water in saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Cream butter and brown sugar in bowl. Sift flour, salt and soda; stir into butter mixture. Stir in oats, mixing thoroughly. Place half the crumb mixture in greased 9 x 13 pan, pressing and flattening with hands to cover bottom.

Spread with cooled date filling. Cover with remaining crumb mixture, patting lightly.

Bake in moderate oven, 375 degrees, 25 to 30 minutes until lightly browned. While warm, cut into bars and remove from pan.