---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.02

     Title: Party Date Bars
Categories: Cookies, Bar
     Yield: 24 bars

----------------------------------FILLING----------------------------------
     2 c  Pitted dates
   1/2 c  Sugar
     1    Orange; grated peel
   1/4 c  Orange juice
   1/2 c  Chopped nutmeats

---------------------------------CRUMB BASE---------------------------------
     1 c  Sifted all-purpose flour
   1/2 ts Soda
   1/2 ts Salt
     1 c  Quaker Oats, uncooked
          -- (quick or old-fashioned)
     1 c  Brown sugar, firmly packed
   1/2 c  Butter or margarine; melted

 For filling, combine dates, sugar, orange peel and orange juice in
 medium-sized saucepan.  Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally
 until thickened.  Cool.  Stir in nutmeats.

 For base, sift together flour, soda and salt.  Add oats and sugar; mix
 well.  Stir in butter; mix until crumbly.  Firmly press 2/3 of mixture
 into greased 8-inch square baking pan.  Spread filling evenly over
 crumb base.  Top with remaining crumb mixture; pack lightly.  Bake in
 preheated moderate oven (350 F.) 30 to 35 minutes.  Cool; cut in bars.

 Source: Our Favorites for family and friends
 Reprinted with permission from The Quaker Oats Company
 Electronic format courtesy of Karen Mintzias

-----