Apple-Date-Nut Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. 2
   Butter a 13 x 9 inch baking pan.
3. 3
   In a saucepan, combine apples, sugar, lemon juice and water and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes, or until apples are tender.
4. 4
   Add dates and simmer, uncovered, stirring and mashing dates, for 3-5 minutes, or until dates are soft and mixture is almost smooth and let puree cool.
5. 5
   In a bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, salt, flour, walnuts and cinnamon and blend well.
6. 6
   Press half of flour mixture evenly into prepared pan.
7. 7
   Spread puree over, and crumble remaining flour mixture over puree, pressing lightly to form an even layer.
8. 8
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden.
9. 9
   Let cool completely.
10. 10
    Cut into 36 bars.