Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups dates, pitted and chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
• 3/4 cup shortening

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch pan.

To make Filling: In a saucepan over low heat, combine dates, water, white sugar, and lemon juice. Heat for about 8 minutes, or until thick. Set aside to let cool.

To make Pastry: In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats and salt. Mix until well blended. Add in shortening until mixture forms into coarse crumbs.

Press half of pastry mix into pan. Cover with date mixture and spread remaining pastry mix over the top.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool on wire rack before cutting.