----------------------------------FILLING---------------------------------- 2 c Pitted dates 1/2 c Sugar 1 Orange; grated peel 1/4 c Orange juice 1/2 c Chopped nutmeats ---------------------------------CRUMB BASE--------------------------------- 1 c Sifted all-purpose flour 1/2 ts Soda 1/2 ts Salt 1 c Quaker Oats, uncooked -- (quick or old-fashioned) 1 c Brown sugar, firmly packed 1/2 c Butter or margarine; melted For filling, combine dates, sugar, orange peel and orange juice in medium-sized saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until thickened. Cool. Stir in nutmeats. For base, sift together flour, soda and salt. Add oats and sugar; mix well. Stir in butter; mix until crumbly. Firmly press 2/3 of mixture into greased 8-inch square baking pan. Spread filling evenly over crumb base. Top with remaining crumb mixture; pack lightly. Bake in preheated moderate oven (350 F.) 30 to 35 minutes. Cool; cut in bars. Source: Our Favorites for family and friends Reprinted with permission from The Quaker Oats Company Electronic format courtesy of Karen Mintzias
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