Orange-Date Oat Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Spray 9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
3. 3
   Simmer juice, dates, zest, 1/2 tsp.
4. 4
   cinnamon and 1 cup water 15 minutes over medium heat, or until thickened.
5. 5
   Pulse oats, flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and remaining cinnamon several times in food processor.
6. 6
   Add shortening, and blend until combined.
7. 7
   Press half oat mixture in prepared pan.
8. 8
   Top with date mixture.
9. 9
   Add pecans to remaining oat mixture.
10. 10
    Press on top.
11. 11
    Bake 50 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
12. 12
    Cool, and cut into bars.