My Date Bars

Directions

1. 1
   FILLING: Place the chopped dates and water in a heavy saucepan.
2. 2
   Cover with the lid and simmer on low heat until dates are softened and form into a paste.
3. 3
   Cool completely and set aside.
4. 4
   Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
5. 5
   BASE & TOPPING: Cream together margarine, butter, sugar and vanilla extract.
6. 6
   Beat in egg.
7. 7
   Sift in the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder.
8. 8
   Add the oats and mix until incorporated.
9. 9
   Pat half the dough on the bottom of a sprayed 9 x 13 inch pan.
10. 10
    Spread over the cooled date mixture.
11. 11
    Crumble or grate the remaining dough over top.
12. 12
    Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
13. 13
    Cool slightly in the pan.
14. 14
    Cut into bars and cool completely on a wire rack.