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Oatmeal Date Bars

I've been making these bars for almost 50 years. I remember my dad saying they were the best he ever tasted. Use your food processor to easily grind the oats.

36 ServingsPrep: 30 min. + cooling Bake: 15 min. + cooling

Ingredients

2 cups quick-cooking oats
3/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
FILLING:
3 cups chopped dates (about 1 pound)
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice, optional
GLAZE:
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk

Directions

Place oats in a food processor, cover and process until finely
ground; set aside. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until
light and fluffy. Combine the oats, flour, baking soda and salt; add
to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after
each addition.
Divide in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of dough to

2 of 2

Oatmeal Date Bars (continued)

Directions (continued)

fit a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan; set aside.
In a large saucepan, combine the dates, sugar, water and lemon juice
if desired; bring to a boil. Cool for 10 minutes.
Spread over crust. Roll remaining dough to fit pan; place over
filling and seal edges. Bake at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until
crust is golden brown. Combine glaze ingredients; spread over bars
while warm. Cool on a wire rack before cutting. Yield: 3 dozen.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 174 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), trace cholesterol, 81 mg sodium, 33 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein.