GRANDMA'S OATMEAL BARS

Grandma's Oatmeal Bars image

While I was growing up, I enjoyed my grandma's oatmeal bars every Christmas. This recipe reminds me of her and Christmastime as a child. And now I fix the bars for my family. -Nancy Hawkins, Brookville, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 pound pitted dates, quartered
1-1/2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 cup shortening
Whipped cream, optional

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, combine dates, water and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened and dates are tender, stirring constantly, 7-9 minutes. Remove from heat., In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, vanilla, baking soda, salt and almond extract. Cut in shortening until crumbly. Press half onto bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Carefully spread with date mixture. , Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over filling; press down gently. Bake until lightly browned, 25-30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. If desired, serve with whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 207 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 79mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (25g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein.