Old-Fashioned Date Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Grease 8-inch square baking pan; set aside.
2. 2
   Combine water, 1/4 cup brown sugar and dates in 1-quart saucepan.
3. 3
   Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 4-5 minutes or until mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
4. 4
   Cool at least 30 minutes.
5. 5
   Heat oven to 350F.
6. 6
   Combine all crust ingredients in bowl.
7. 7
   Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
8. 8
   Reserve 1 cup.
9. 9
   Press remaining crumbs into prepared pan.
10. 10
    Spoon filling over crust; sprinkle with reserved crumbs.
11. 11
    Bake 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned.
12. 12
    Cool completely.
13. 13
    Cut into bars.