Cranberry & Caramel Date Bars

By Cathie davidson

The slight hint of tartness from the cranberries in these bars are the perfect compliment to the sweet caramel and dates.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cranberries
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups oats
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup margarine or butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups dates, chopped
• 3/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 1 cup caramel ice cream topping

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 350°F.

In a bowl, combine cranberries and 2 tablespoons sugar.

In another bowl, combine 2 cups flour, oats, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar and soda. Add margarine or butter and mix well.

Reserve 1 cup crumb mixture; press remainder firmly on bottom of 13x9-inch baking pan. Bake 15 minutes.

Sprinkle dates, walnuts and cranberry mixture over crust. Mix caramel topping and remaining 1/3 cup flour; spoon over fruit and walnuts. Top with reserved crumb mixture.

Bake 20 minutes or until lightly brown.

Cool and cut into bars.