OATMEAL DATE BARS

Oatmeal Date Bars image

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.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 17

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

Steps:

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 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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 174 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 81mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein.