Old Fashion Date and Oat bars

My Mom used to buy a box of Date Bars and make them for us as children I always did love them, she was never a " from scratch" kinda Mom oh no she was so much more than just that. Not to say from scratch is bad because that is what I am about. But I did love those Date Bars so here is an easy recipe to make them from scratch, and you should try them because they are so good and so much better for you and your kids then the box my Mother used to buy. My friend Carol asked me for this recipe so here it is.

Oat Crust

1 1/2 cup of oats

1 1/2 cup of flour

1/4 teaspoon of salt

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup butter, softened

Date Center

About 1/2 to 3/4 pound pitted dates, cut in pieces with scissors just easier this way

1 cup water

Depending on how sweet your dates are add just 1-2 Tablespoons of brown sugar if needed

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl combine the oats, flour, salt and 1 cup of the packed brown sugar and baking soda. Mix in the soft butter until all is crumbly. Press half of the mixture into a 9 inch square baking pan. I lined my pan with parchment paper.

Bake the bottom crust for about 12 minutes

The Dates

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the dates water and the Tablespoon of brown sugar if you are using it and bring to a boil and cook just until thickened. Stir in the lemon juice and remove from the heat. Spread the date filling over the Oat Crust and now add the remaining oat mixture on top.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until you see it lightly toasted on top. Cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy