Bubby's Date Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. 2
   Prepare Date Filling: Combine dates and water in a saucepan.
3. 3
   Cook, stirring over low heat until thick (about 10 minutes) Cool; set aside.
4. 4
   Mix soft butter and brown sugar thoroughly.
5. 5
   Combine flour, baking soda and salt; stir into butter mixture.
6. 6
   Add oats; mix.
7. 7
   Place half of the crumb mixture in a greased 13 x 9 baking pan.
8. 8
   Press and flatten to cover bottom of pan.
9. 9
   Spread with cooled Date Filling.
10. 10
    Cover with remaining crumb mixture and pat lightly to smooth surface.
11. 11
    Bake 25-30 minutes until lightly browned.
12. 12
    While warm, cut into bars and remove from pan.
13. 13
    Makes about 18 1 1/2 x 2 inch bars.
14. 14
    NOTE: Though I didn't write it into the recipe, sometimes I add a little lemon rind and lemon juice to the date filling.