Oatmeal Date Bars

This was one of the first recipes I adapted. Originally it was from a recipe on an 1896 Quaker Oats label. I published it in my first newsletter, way back in 1985. A friend said these were the best date bars she had ever eaten.

Makes 9 3" x 3" bars

3/4 cup chopped dates
6 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup date sugar
1 beaten egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup whole wheat or rice flour
1/4 cup chopped nuts
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine dates, melted butter, and date sugar, and mix well.
3. Stir in egg and vanilla.
4. Add flour, nuts, cinnamon, and baking soda.
5. Mix until dry ingredients are moistened and spread evenly into a greased 9"x9" pan.
6. Bake about 20 minutes, cool, and cut into bars.
7. Store tightly covered.